When reviewing global developments in 2022, the following trends have stood out:

Pursuing development in a tumultuous world. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which broke out in February, still shows no signs of ending. It has plunged the Western world into turmoil, with food and energy crises bringing difficulties to the lives of many people. High inflation in Western economies and substantial interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve have also increased uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, China remains committed to stability and development. In October, the Communist Party of China convened its 20th National Congress, electing a new Central Committee and outlining goals for Chinese modernization in the next five years and beyond. The Fifth China International Import Expo in November, as well as other trade and investment fairs, shared opportunities in China with other countries.

Recovering from the pandemic. China adjusted its COVID-19 control measures as the virulence of the virus dropped, with the aim of restoring normal life and promoting economic growth. This will be the common task for the entire human community in the post-pandemic era.

Holding major sporting events to boost solidarity. The Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games delivered a top-level sporting event to the international community despite the many challenges of the pandemic. At the end of the year, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 also brought joy to soccer fans.

Exploring the frontiers of science and technology. In 2022, China completed its space station Tiangong, made new discoveries with its Mars probe and launched a solar exploration satellite. China's artificial sun, an advanced experimental superconducting tokamak with the goal of creating nuclear fusion like the sun, set a new world record in May, achieving a plasma temperature of 120 million degrees Celsius for a period of 101 seconds.

Throughout 2022, as COVID-19 dragged on, the world economy became more fragile, the geopolitical environment remained tense and global governance was seriously inadequate. All these posed formidable challenges.

We hope in 2023 more efforts will be made to champion unity over division, cooperation over confrontation, and inclusiveness over exclusion, so as to tide over difficulties and embrace a better future together.