BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended Spring Festival greetings at a reception in Beijing to usher in the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Horse.

At the Great Hall of the People, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, conveyed New Year greetings on behalf of the Party Central Committee and the State Council to all Chinese people at home and abroad.

Describing the ending Year of the Snake as extraordinary, Xi said China met difficulties head-on and made new progress in the face of a complex and volatile environment at home and abroad, elevating China's economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capabilities, and composite national strength to new heights.

Over the past year, China's economy withstood pressure and sustained growth, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality, Xi said.