High-ranking Chinese officials including President Xi Jinping extended Spring Festival greetings on Saturday during a public get-together attended by over 2000 members of the public in Beijing. The celebration was graced by several other prominent people including state council prime minister Li Keqiang, vice premier Zhang Gaoli and high ranking politicians Yu Zhengsheng, Zhang Dejiang, Liu Yunshan, and Wang Qishan.

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During the gathering, Premier Li Keqiang delivered a speech, extending his greeting to all Chinese netizens across the mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao and other countries. He also expressed his  condolences to the victims of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Kaohsiung in Taiwan earlier in the day.

Li recalled how major catastrophes and public security contingencies in the past have united all Chinese people, adding that officials still put the safety of the public as top priority. He also highlighted how the country's reform and development agenda has endured the storm of the global economic slowdown. 

He further revealed that following the new year, the government will still primarily focus on development. The country will enhance structural reforms, particularly in the supply side, and encourage creativity among netizens to push new growth drivers.

The prime minister stated that the government will settle dilemmas concerning the interest of the people, fight poverty and upholding care and opportunities to create fortune. "All this will serve to deliver to the people a happier life with more secure jobs, greater confidence in the future and a stronger sense of satisfaction," he said.

Li encouraged everyone to cooperate with the Communist Party of China and work towards China's great revival.

TagsChinese New Year, Year of the Monkey, Spring festival, Lunar New Year