When he met CY Leung and Chui Sai On, chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, respectively, last year, Xi said he expects contributions from compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

During his February meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, Xi stressed the CPC's confidence in carrying forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The new leadership has full confidence in overcoming difficulties and bringing new prospects for the cross-Strait relations, he said.

"We sincerely hope Taiwan can develop along with the mainland and compatriots from both sides of the Strait can join hands in realizing the 'Chinese dream,'" he said.

Xi is anything but an unfamiliar name to the rest of the world, as he appeared on the international stage multiple times in recent years.

Since the 1980s, he has visited more than 60 countries and regions to gain experience and seek cooperative opportunities.