At the end of every year, experts around the world listen in or read the Chinese President’s New Year message. Expectedly, the president takes stock of what has happened in the current year, says what could have been done better to avoid the shortcomings, and broadly indicates the country’s direction for the incoming year.
In his message delivered on December 31 in Beijing, President Xi Jinping was upbeat about what awaits both China and the world in 2024. His message had no illusions, remembering the year 2023 “as one of hard work and perseverance”. Indeed, nothing comes easy, and the Chinese did not expect any free lunches either.
In the beginning of 2023, China transitioned its COVID-19 response by downgrading the high alert in its fight against the pandemic. The effect of China’s reopening its international borders and removal of travel restrictions both at home and abroad was immediate. In addition to firing up the choked global supply chains, this easing of pandemic measures has contributed immensely to the world’s economic recovery.
China achieved the foregoing achievements through its constant pursuance of high-quality development, upgrading of its modernized industrial system, the establishment of advanced, smart and green industries, and rural revitalization. The country’s bumper harvest for the 20th consecutive year also contributed to global food security.
Technologically and industrially, China reaffirmed its position as the innovation capital of the world. At the basic level, “Made in China” brands continue with their massive global appeal due to their innovativeness and cost effectiveness. From the commercial launching of the C919 large passenger airliner and the trial voyage of its large cruise ship, to new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, China made an indelible mark in the global economy.
The hosting of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) underscored China’s pivotal role in global socioeconomic development. As of 2023, more than 150 countries and over 30 international organisations had signed BRI cooperation documents. This shows the faith that the world continues to have in the country’s socioeconomic initiatives aimed at lifting the lives of millions of people out of poverty.
On the diplomatic front, China made tremendous contribution to world peace, commensurate to its role in global economic recovery. In fact, the country’s diplomatic initiatives were ranked by China Media Group as one of the major events in 2023. One of the major diplomatic breakthroughs was the Beijing-brokered rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March.
The above unprecedented event reverberated across the Middle and is seen to have opened the door for the resumption of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Qatar in April, Egypt and Türkiye in July, and Syria and Saudi Arabia in December. In 2024, experts see China playing a bigger role in international affairs, even daring to hope that the international community will at this early stage of 2024 adopt China’s roadmap to a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, and the ultimate rapprochement between the two perennial foes.
Naturally, China realizes that its peace and prosperity is dependent on the same prevailing the world over. It is immoral for one to eat satisfactorily in peace, while the neighbors are starving and fighting. This is one of the motivations behind the country’s initiatives aimed at sharing its successes and fruitful outcomes with the rest of the world. Moreover, there are key best practices to learn from China’s social and economic resilience for developing countries.
In March, Xi introduced the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) to the world during the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting held in Beijing. As another important public good China has shared with the world in the new era after the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, the GCI will inject strong impetus into advancing humanity’s modernization process, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Chinese communal spirit did not disappoint in thwarting the man-made challenges and natural disasters experienced in 2023. The leadership under Xi effectively mobilized patriotic citizens to stand up and be counted in solving the country’s problems not just for themselves, but for their fellow citizens.
As China celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic this year, observers expect more pleasant surprises as the country continues its relentless journey in pursuit of rejuvenation, growth and excellence. China has truly remained as a true bastion of hope in a world currently fraught with seemingly insurmountable problems.
The world should also wait for the reunification of Taiwan with the motherland, a development that Xi stated he was committed to undertake in 2024. “China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
This loaded and unequivocal statement actually sets the tone and mood for China in the coming 364 or so days. The single-mindedness of the Chinese leader gives no room for second-guessing his commitment in delivering his promises and those of the CPC, which he heads.
