Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his desire for unification with Taiwan in his New Year's message for 2024.

Xi delivered the speech to the general public through a state-run TV broadcaster and other media on Sunday, New Year's Eve.

Xi made an apparent reference to Taiwan, which is due to hold a presidential election on January 13. Major points of contention in the quadrennial vote include relations with China.

Xi said China will "surely" be unified. He said "all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Xi also expressed his willingness to contend with domestic challenges. Prospects for China's economy are growing increasingly opaque due to a protracted downturn in the real-estate market and a tough employment situation.

Xi said, "Our children should be well taken care of and receive good education. Our young people should have the opportunities to pursue their careers and succeed. And our elderly people should have adequate access to medical services and elderly care."

He said, "These issues matter to every family, and they are also a top priority of the government."

But the Chinese Communist Party has yet to convene a key meeting to set directions for economic measures. Analysts expected the session to take place in the autumn of 2023.