BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders on Tuesday extended Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese people at home and abroad.

In a speech to a gathering at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday morning, Xi expressed appreciation for efforts in deepening reform, development and advancing rule of law in the past year.

"We are proud of our great country and we are proud of our great people," Xi said. "We must give our respect to the work of the industrious and courageous Chinese people and their extraordinary innovative spirit and achievements."

"This year, we are facing situations no less challenging and complicated, and we must stay close to the people and promote reform, innovation, justice and a better standard of living with more vigorous efforts," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He pledged more work on improving work styles in the Party and government and creating more wealth, more benefit for the people and more glory for the nation.

Xi said the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics the country is working for is an unprecedented one and the people must be geared up for historic distinctiveness.

He called on the entire country to keep a sober mind, avoid empty talk, make practical efforts and overcome all challenges.

With the upcoming Spring Festival being an important time for family reunions in China, the president stressed family bonds and family education.

He said Chinese traditions and virtues of family harmony and affection should not be forgotten, so as to ensure that the young grow up healthily and senior citizens are being taken good care of.

The gathering was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. Other senior leaders including Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, joined more than 2,000 people from all walks of life.