China's President Xi Jinping asked officials to give the rule of law and more reforms in 2015 their "best shot" in his New Year speech on Wednesday.

Xi said that in 2014, the government carried out reforms, cracked many hard nuts and introduced a string of critical reform measures, which benefited citizens. Under his leadership, China adapted to a new normal of economic expansion, aggressively sought economic and social development and change people's lives for the better, the president added.

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China's leader told audiences how unforgettable the past year was in an address, which was broadcast live by state media.

He told cadres to give it their "best shot," a phrase popularized by Internet users in China. He did say without the people's support, it was impossible for the government to achieve anything. He gave a thumb-up to what he called China's "great people."

This year, China will not turn back from pursuing wide and deep reforms, Xi said. He sought to improve the rule of law to protect the people's welfare and rights, pursue social justice and national development.

Xi noted that the rule of law and reforms must be pursued at the same time towards a well-off society by 2020 as scheduled.

Barely a day after his speech, Xi asked for an investigation into the cause of a stampede during Shanghai's New Year Eve celebration that left at least 35 people dead.

New Year revelry in the city's Bund area turned violent on Wednesday night, when a stampede also injured 42 people. Xi told the Shanghai government to pull out all the stops in in rescuing and treating the injured.

The Chinese president said a deep lesson should be learned from the stampede.

Xi is also chairman of China's Central Military Commission and general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

TagsRule of Law, China reforms