China's leaders celebrate New Year with political advisors

BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's leaders on Tuesday celebrated New Year's Day with political advisors in Beijing, with Xi Jinping delivering a speech.

The leaders attended a tea party held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body.

Attendees included President Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli.

Delivering his speech at the party, Xi said socialism with Chinese characteristics is a good cause that will benefit the people but is also an arduous cause that requires wisdom and endeavor.

Xi said in completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, it is vital to have a determined confidence to overcome difficulties and solidify powerful strength to promote the cause.

Xi said 2012 had a special and important meaning for China during which time the country made progress while maintaining stability in promoting economic and social development when facing a severe international economic situation and a lot of domestic work.

Hong Kong and Macao continued to maintain stability and prosperity, and cross-Strait exchange and cooperation deepened. China had carried out all-round international exchange and cooperation and made new contributions to maintaining world peace and promoting common development, Xi said.