China will resolutely defend sovereignty, push ahead with BRI in 2019: Xi

Presenting an upbeat picture of China's achievements in 2018 amid the ongoing trade war with the US, President Xi Jinping on Monday said China will remain resolute in defending its sovereignty and push ahead with his pet project the Belt and Road initiative (BRI).

In his annual New Year eve address to the nation telecast live all over the country, Xi played down concerns about the slowing down of Chinese economy, saying China's economy stayed within a "reasonable" range in 2018.

China's economy grew at 6.5 per cent in the third quarter posting slowest growth since 2009 as it grappled with the intensifying trade war with the US and the mounting local governments' debt which rose to USD 2.58 trillion.

Xi is regarded as the most powerful leader of China after Mao Zedong as he was declared a core leader by the ruling Communist Party. He heads the party, the presidency and the military. He is expected to remain President for life after a constitutional amendment this year removed two-term limit for President.

In a veiled reference to China's increasing hold over the disputed South China Sea, he reiterated that China will protect its sovereignty and security "resolutely".

"Looking at the world at large, we're facing a period of major change never seen in a century. No matter what these changes bring, China will remain resolute and confident in its defence of its national sovereignty and security," he said, adding that China's sincerity and goodwill to safeguard world peace will remain unchanged.

He said "China enlarged its circle of friends" in 2018 and referred to host of international events hosted by the country.

On the BRI, he said, "We will continue to push ahead with the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and continue to advocate for the development of a community of shared future for mankind."