The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) got underway on October 18. Four ambassadors to China from Pakistan, Gambia, Armenia and Georgia shared withBeijing Review their views on China's achievements in the past five years ahead of the event. Edited excerpts of their opinions follow:
Masood Khalid, Pakistani Ambassador to China: China has undergone an all-round transformation since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. During the last five years, China has made great strides in poverty alleviation, scientific development, space exploration, communication and infrastructure advancements, and the military and economic domains. Despite widespread skepticism, China has successfully achieved its economic targets with sustained growth.
On the international stage, China has emerged as the harbinger of global commerce, trade and connectivity. While the world faces turmoil, economic meltdowns and stagnation, President Xi Jinping has presented a practical solution with the Belt and Road Initiative to promote integration and connectivity. China has been a leading voice on issues of global importance. On terrorism, climate change, UN peacekeeping, global epidemics, trade and commerce, China has increasingly made her voice heard in all international forums, representing the whole world and developing countries in particular.
Since the process of reform and opening up kick-started in 1978, China has achieved a miracle of bringing more than 700 million people out of poverty in a time span of one generation. China's story of success is a story of continuous struggle, vigor and wisdom, and a source of inspiration for the whole world,especially developing countries.
China is poised to carry forward the momentum of reform and opening up to the next stage. Continuity and stability have been the lynchpins in China's journey for historic transformation. I am fully confident that the people of China will realize the dream of an all-around well-off society and eradication of poverty. The breakthroughs in the last five years in scientific research and development, innovation in communication and infrastructure, and progress in national defense and the economy have laid a solid foundation for realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The CPC is the largest political party in the world with around 89 million members. It has on its credit the achievements that are unparalleled in human history. All the accomplishments that we see in China today rest on the dynamism, resilience and vigor of the CPC. Under the spirit of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the CPC has transformed itself in accordance with new situations and conditions. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core, the CPC is striving for more responsive, transparent and clean governance. I have no doubt that with the support of the Chinese people, the CPC will continue to steer China toward the fulfillment of the Chinese dream.
Dembo M. Badjie, Gambian Ambassador to China: China has assumed a larger role in global affairs since the 18th CPC National Congress. China hosted the G20 Summit successfully. China launched the Belt and Road Initiative. In the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China gave a big contribution to African development. China supported the advocacy for reforms in the United Nations.
President Xi Jinping's visionary and dynamic leadership has left me a profound impression. I was also amazed by China's innovation as well as its technological and infrastructural development.
The CPC's governing capacity is good in light of the unprecedented rate of development in China, as I have witnessed in recent years. I expect the 19th CPC National Congress to produce a blueprint for the consolidation of China's achievements.
Sergey Manassarian, Armenian Ambassador to China: It would be easier to take a look at the numbers and compare today's situation with that of five years ago when we speak about China's achievements during the past period after the 18th CPC National Congress.
For all the main economic indicators, sharply positive dynamics have been recorded. In particular, such indicators as GDP, both in general and per capita, have shown growth; poverty levels have been steadily decreasing, especially in rural areas; new openings have appeared in the job market; and the wellbeing of the population is also improving.
As for the international area, it should be noted that in the reporting period, China became the world's largest investor, and that the geography of the implemented investment projects covers practically all continents.
I have been in China for more than a year and a half, and I have been mostly impressed by the tremendous flexibility with which the nation is governed as well as the quick decision making and positive changes in the development and modernization of the country.
If the country was able to achieve brilliant results and become one of the world's leading nations in a short period of time, obviously the strategic goals were set correctly and the process of the governance was carried out brilliantly.
The CPC is governing China impeccably. I am sure that the 19th CPC National Congress will develop new concepts and approaches which will give a new incentive for moving forward.
Indeed, China's political system is strikingly different from that of many nations in the world. And today's indicators of China have shown the viability of its system.
From the 19th CPC National Congress, I anticipate new conceptual solutions that will not only help the country to further develop, but also raise the level of world stability and security. I am sure that fundamental concepts of new ways of development will be worked out.
Dr. David Aptsiauri, Georgian Ambassador to China: During recent years, China has achieved enormous progress. It has overwhelmingly stepped forward in various directions. China today is one of the most important economic powers in the world. It has performed successfully economic reforms inside the country and has a high reputation in international relations today. The role of China in international affairs is definitely increasing. More and more important international events of global scale have already taken place in China, which is an indication that alongside economic achievements, China is now becoming a very important partner in international relations, contributing significantly to the stability and prosperity of the world.
It's difficult to make an overall evaluation of all achievements of China in a few words, but in my view, what is most interesting is that China is keeping stability inside and trying to bring the seed of stability to international relations. That is very important.
The world today is full of turbulence. China today is the place that is trying to provide a lesson in stable development and irreversible economic progress based on long-term goals. I think this is the most important condition for successful development.
China is striving to maintain effective domestic policy development based on a reform program and contributes to the stability of its external environment. So that's why in making the country function well, China contributes to the peaceful development of not only itself but also the world at large. Keeping the balance and making it sustainable for a long period of time provide the best advantage and are the most interesting element of China's experience.
China is developing despite the financial crisis in certain regions of the world that impacted world economic development. China still maintains stability despite external risks. I think having kept the balanced, harmonized environment inside the country is the most important achievement of China.
The CPC is the fundamental standpoint for developing the country. It is central and crucial. When we speak about the achievements of recent years and the role of the CPC as a leading motor in the progress, the contribution and the role of the leader of the Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping, are very important. His contribution is definitely enormous. He is esteemed as a party leader and a country leader. We wish President Xi and the CPC success after the congress.
The CPC National Congress is an important event not only for China. It should give us an opportunity to be acquainted with China's development strategy for the next five years. Of course, it is a matter of very important interest. We are very much interested in the successful outcomes of the congress since we are interlinked as friends and partners despite the size difference and distance between China and Georgia. We would like to sincerely wish you success in your work.
