Daxiang News:

We've noted that in recent years, many foreign vloggers have shared their experiences in China on social media. They've highlighted Chinese tech products and trendy designs, which have sparked a "China craze." Some foreign netizens have commented that China is really spending its money on infrastructure and that China has become cool. What's your view on this? Thank you.

Zheng Shanjie:

Thanks for your question. I'll take this one. This is a very good question. In fact, I think this reflects China's growing comprehensive national strength. Looking back at the 14th Five-Year Plan period, I would say that China's comprehensive national strength has advanced by leaps and bounds. Where is this rapid progress evident? I think there are four main aspects:

First, let's look at economic strength. In addition to the economic aggregate I mentioned earlier, China is also the world's largest manufacturing country, largest goods trading country, largest foreign exchange reserve holder, largest energy producer, and largest country in terms of human resources. It has the world's largest middle-income group and social security system, and has built the most 5G base stations globally, which is something everyone can feel in their daily lives. There are many more such distinctions. Now, the foundation of China's real economy is getting stronger. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the annual value added of the manufacturing sector has exceeded 30 trillion yuan. China has held the top position in global manufacturing for 15 consecutive years, with over 200 major industrial products ranking first in the world in terms of output. There are fewer and fewer things China cannot make, and what it does make keeps getting better. In addition, China's infrastructure for economic and social development is getting stronger, as Mr. Li just outlined. We have the world's largest networks of highways, high-speed trains, ports, urban rail transit, power transmission and distribution, and broadband. We also have the most wind power installations, photovoltaic installations, charging piles and courier service outlets globally. This modern infrastructure system has supported the rapid development of the economy and society and improved people's lives.

Second, let's look at innovation ability. China has the world's largest pool of R&D personnel and 26 of the world's top 100 science and technology innovation clusters, ranking first globally. There are more than 460,000 high-tech enterprises. As everyone has seen, innovative results are constantly emerging, and technological sophistication continues to grow stronger. We are developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, driving deep integration between technological and industrial innovation. Innovation is accelerating from isolated breakthroughs toward systematic integration, with cutting-edge products emerging constantly. In recent years, we have developed independently-researched high-performance chips and operating systems, large AI models that empower various industries, and robots that significantly boost production efficiency. The potential of innovation is continuously transforming into economic momentum. New industries, new business formats, and new business models, dubbed the "three new" economy, represented by "AI+", are accelerating their implementation. In 2024, the value added of the "three new" economy exceeded 24 trillion yuan, equivalent to the combined GDP of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong.

Third, let's look at soft power. China's development has attracted global attention, and more and more countries are engaging with us in governance exchanges, learning from China's solutions and experience. China has completed the industrialization process in a few decades, a journey that took Western developed countries several centuries, creating the twin miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. This has provided a new model of modernization for the world. Concepts such as "a community with a shared future for mankind" and "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" have gained widespread international recognition. The country's cultural soft power and the influence of Chinese culture have significantly increased. National institutions like the National Archives of Publications and Culture, national archives, and national cultural parks preserve and continue the heritage of Chinese history and culture. New cultural forms such as online dramas, online literature and online games have gained significant traction overseas.

China's international influence and appeal have markedly increased. The Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as a pathway for global shared prosperity. Meanwhile, we are vigorously promoting voluntary and unilateral opening up policies, expanding our unilateral visa-free arrangements to 47 countries. Tourism and shopping in China continue to gain momentum, with foreign visitor arrivals registering a 96% increase in 2024.

Fourth, let's consider shock resistance. We have firmly kept our food supply in our own hands, with grain production achieving 21 consecutive years of bumper harvests. Last year, we reached a new milestone of 700 million metric tons. Adopting an all-encompassing approach to food, China ranks first globally in the production of grains, meat, peanuts, vegetables, tea and fruits. The nation's energy self-sufficiency rate remains above 80%. In 2024, total oil and gas production exceeded 400 million tons of oil equivalent for the first time, and power generation reached 10 trillion kilowatt-hours. A diversified energy supply system, including coal, oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy, now robustly secures the energy needs of over 1.4 billion people. Meanwhile, we are working faster to establish a national reserve system with more adequate material stockpiles and stronger shock resilience.

Finally, I would like to say that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's comprehensive national strength has been systematically enhanced during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, laying a solid foundation for achieving the Second Centenary Goal. Enhancing the country's comprehensive national strength serves the Chinese people in tangible ways and will continue to create new opportunities for global development. No matter how the international situation changes in the future, we will unswervingly manage our own affairs well, solidly enhance the country's comprehensive national strength, and advance Chinese modernization. Thank you.