Ambassador Jiang Zaidong delivered a keynote speech at the seminar on China’s Two Sessions, themed “China’s Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World.” The event, jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), brought together esteemed diplomats, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the implications of China’s ongoing development and its impact on global cooperation.
Ambassador Jiang began by recalling the significance of China’s Spring in the country’s transformation, referencing Deng Xiaoping’s leadership in reform and opening-up, which led to remarkable economic growth. He emphasized that this year’s Two Sessions hold particular significance as they follow the strategic decision for comprehensive deepening of reforms outlined at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He noted that the international community closely observes China’s progress, hoping to harness opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Ambassador Jiang highlighted the achievements of Chinese modernization, citing a 5% GDP growth in the past year, with per capita GDP exceeding $13,000 and contributing nearly 30% to global economic growth. Additionally, grain output surpassed 1.4 trillion jin (approximately 700 million tons), while urban employment increased by 12.56 million jobs, and over 13 million new energy vehicles were produced.
Despite external challenges, China remains committed to high-quality development, with an expected GDP growth rate of around 5% for the coming year. The ambassador reiterated President Xi Jinping’s commitment to inclusive modernization, emphasizing that China’s development will benefit the world, particularly close partners like Pakistan. He reaffirmed China’s willingness to support Pakistan’s modernization efforts through deeper reforms and enhanced economic collaboration.
A key focus of the Two Sessions was technological innovation. Ambassador Jiang noted China’s advancements in high-tech manufacturing, with an 8.9% increase in value-added production and total R&D expenditure reaching 3.6 trillion yuan. He cited the domestically developed DeepSeek large language model and the success of Ne Zha 2, an animated film empowered by digital technology, which achieved over 300 million global views and generated more than $2 billion at the box office.
Ambassador Jiang also highlighted China-Pakistan cooperation in space exploration. In 2024, Pakistan’s iCube-Qamar lunar satellite and PakSat-MM1 multi-mission communication satellite were launched from China. Furthermore, just before the Two Sessions, China and Pakistan signed an agreement on astronaut selection and training, marking the first time a foreign astronaut will visit China’s space station from Pakistan.
The ambassador underscored China’s dedication to improving people’s lives, emphasizing that economic progress must translate into better living conditions. In 2024, China’s urban unemployment rate declined to 5.1%, and over 33 million people lifted out of poverty secured employment. Additionally, national scholarships benefited 34 million students, and over 11 million people received living allowances.
China’s commitment to global poverty reduction remains strong, with its contribution exceeding 70% of global progress. Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), international cooperation has created over 421,000 local jobs. Specifically, China-Pakistan cooperation has significantly improved public welfare, as demonstrated by the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, which treated over 150,000 patients in six months and facilitated 1,260 births. Chinese medical teams also performed life-saving surgeries for congenital heart disease patients in Pakistan, strengthening humanitarian ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Jiang highlighted China’s proactive diplomacy in 2024, stressing its commitment to peaceful development and global stability. Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China continues to uphold principles of fairness and justice while opposing hegemonism and unilateralism. The ambassador pointed out that over 100 countries now support China’s Three Global Initiatives, and more than three-quarters of the world’s nations have joined the BRI.
The latest government work report reaffirms China’s dedication to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, ensuring mutual benefits through global economic cooperation. Ambassador Jiang emphasized that China and Pakistan, as key members of the Global South, must work together to safeguard the interests of developing nations, promote an inclusive multipolar world, and foster economic globalization.
Ambassador Jiang concluded by reaffirming China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s development. He expressed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation in various fields, including economic growth, technological advancements, and humanitarian assistance. He extended warm wishes to all participants, emphasizing that China and Pakistan will continue to stand together as iron-clad friends in pursuit of shared prosperity.
The seminar ended on a note of optimism, with participants acknowledging China’s role in shaping a more equitable and interconnected world. The discussions reinforced the strong China-Pakistan partnership and underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
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