Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed support for the country’s vulnerable elderly and youth in a new year address that acknowledged the strains on some of the 1.4bn-strong population. Xi’s speech comes after his economic planners have for much of the past four years struggled to restore consumer confidence or address rising youth unemployment and slow wage growth.

"The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family," Mr Xi said in a speech televised on China's state broadcaster CCTV. “No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping was reportedly dismissive about the threat of deflation hitting the economy. While consumers can benefit from falling prices, persistent deflation can also lead to a downward spiral for spending and investment.

Weeks before Trump takes office, the Chinese leader is seeking to shore up confidence that China’s economy can withstand threats.

The Chinese leader projected confidence amid Beijing’s economic struggles and ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump, set to take a hard line on China.

Chinese president Xi Jinping said in New Year message that Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. He says no one can sever our blood ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland.

In a bold New Year’s address, Xi Jinping asserted that China's reunification with Taiwan is unstoppable, intensifying military pressure on the island amidst rising tensions. The speech signals Beijing's firm stance against perceived independence movements while Taiwan's government insists on self-determination.