A Vision for Global Development and Economic Resilience

President Xi Jinping's recent New Year message for 2025 underscored the tenacity and positive momentum of the Chinese economy, alongside an unwavering dedication to fostering global advancement. Experts around the world have lauded the address for its uplifting tone, marking it as a beacon of optimism that stresses the importance of collaborative progress not only for China but for the larger global community.

In his speech, Xi noted that China's economy has shown signs of recovery, with expectations for the gross domestic product (GDP) to surpass 130 trillion yuan, approximately $18 trillion, in the coming year. He elaborated on China's intention to strengthen cooperation with various nations, promote cultural exchanges, and strive for a collective future, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to enhance global welfare.

Ukeru Magosaki, an expert from Japan, remarked on the significant impact of China's growth both within its borders and on the world stage. As projections suggest a modest growth rate of 1.8 percent for advanced economies in 2024, China's anticipated growth of around 5 percent is particularly notable, attributed to its focus on cultivating innovative sectors and business models amidst rapid global changes.

Deniz Istikbal from Istanbul Medipol University expressed that Xi's speech reinforces China's commitment to an inclusive global development vision, advancing stability through cooperation in international relations. He believes that maintaining this engaging strategy will shape a more harmonious world order.

Furthermore, data from the General Administration of Customs indicates that Chinese imports and exports reached over 21 trillion yuan in the first half of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.1 percent. Istikbal highlighted that this positions China as a leading player in global commerce, evincing its resilience even in challenging circumstances.

In Africa, economic strategist Pius Nunda found Xi's speech to be particularly encouraging, framing the potential for strengthened ties between Africa and China through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which could yield significant developmental benefits. Additionally, Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan from Pakistan highlighted the message as one of hope and shared progress, indicative of China's ambition for qualitative industrialization.

Xn Iraki, an academic from Nairobi, noted that Xi's address not only addresses pressing global challenges but also positions China favorably within the evolving landscape of international affairs, optimistic about the upcoming year and its potential advantages for people around the globe.