Xi Jinping says China on ‘right side of history’

China “stands on the right side of history”, the country’s leader Xi Jinping said in a New Year’s address (AP/PA)

China “stands on the right side of history”, the country’s leader Xi Jinping said in a New Year’s address despite questions over his government’s handling of Covid-19 and economic and political challenges at home and abroad.

Speaking on national television, Mr Xi largely avoided directly addressing issues confronting the country, pointing instead to successes in agricultural production, poverty elimination and its hosting of the Winter Olympics in February.