by H.E. Ambassador Zhou Limin
China's Two Sessions (the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) have successfully concluded. During the Two sessions, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference to elaborate on China's foreign policy. The Two Sessions have attracted global attention and serve as an important window into China. I would like to share some of the content with friends in Kiribati.
China's economy is expected to continue its robust growth, providing a strong impetus for global economic development. In 2023, China's GDP exceeds 126 trillion yuan, with a growth rate of 5.2%, one of the highest among the world's major economies. China's GDP per capita exceeds $12,000 and its middle income group exceeds 400 million and is still growing. China's economy will contribute more than 30% to global economic growth in 2023, making it the world's largest driving force. The government report sets an economic growth target of around 5% for 2024, demonstrating China's resilience, promise and dynamism.
China is currently leading the world in innovation with the new quality productive forces. The number of China's top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters has recently surpassed any other country. China has made significant advancements in various fields, including the construction of large cruise ships and the innovations in artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Additionally, the C919, the first large aircraft made in China, has been put into commercial operation. Furthermore, China's exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products have exceeded one trillion yuan mark, with a 29.9% increase. In 2024, China will vigorously push forward the construction of a modernised industrial system, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, build a new engine of economic development, and inject new vitality into the development of the global economy.
China's diplomacy has been proactive and innovative, and has strongly safeguarded national sovereignty, security, and development, as well as the shared interests of developing countries.