World expects China's two sessions to inject new momentum into global growth

As China's "two sessions," a key political event shaping the country's policy direction, are set to convene in Beijing this week, some overseas observers are keen to see a refreshed strong signal that the world's second-largest economy will remain firmly committed to promoting global common development and prosperity with its high-quality development.

China is set to enter the two sessions period on Tuesday, drawing the world's attention to how one of the most important political events in the country will set priorities and plans involving the economy, diplomacy, military, and social development for 2025.

The "two sessions" are the annual meetings of China's highest organ of state power, the National People's Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This year, the third session of the 14th NPC is scheduled to open on March 5, while the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee is set to begin on March 4.

"China's two sessions have drawn great attention. This year, I'm particularly focused on China's economic development and its advancements in science and technology, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. China has consistently pursued high-quality development, making bold decisions and taking practical actions that have led to remarkable success. The goal of achieving common prosperity proposed by President Xi Jinping, in my view, will make China even more stable and prosperous. That is what we all hope for," said Bhokin Bhalakula, former president of the National Assembly of Thailand.

"China's economic foundation is solid, and its development is steady and pragmatic. This is because, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has explored a development model based on China's realities, featuring Chinese characteristics, and continuously advanced toward progress and prosperity. President Xi Jinping has closely aligned his governance philosophy with the will of the people," said Smail Debeche, president of the Algeria-China Friendship Association.

"China has been making greater efforts to tackle pollution, leading to significant improvements in its ecological environment. If you visit northwestern China, including Yulin (City), you will see how local people are resorting to technology to restore the environment. They are replacing traditional energy with clean energy, which has left a deep impression on me," he added.

International guests believe China's rich development experience and scientific strategic planning continue to provide development references for other countries. They hope their home countries will deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in many fields.

"Now that economic development of China is very strong in terms of the capacity, in terms of innovation, technology, engineering, space exploration, other things. This is digital economy, blue economy all. I think it 'very important that these can be shared with us, with the countries that really have this kind of partnership to enhance our better participation as well," said Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

''I think it's very important for China to know that they are very important to the world and as the geopolitical signs are shifting, here is an opportunity for China to be even more on the forefront it's been before especially in the green energy transition, so as other nations may be making more space, there is an additional space. I think it's a very exciting time for all of us in Africa and all of us in the world to collaborate effectively in the right direction,'' said Dion George, South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

World expects China's two sessions to inject new momentum into global growth

World expects China's two sessions to inject new momentum into global growth

World expects China's two sessions to inject new momentum into global growth

World expects China's two sessions to inject new momentum into global growth

China will take more effective measures to improve people's wellbeing, especially in education, healthcare, and social security, an official said Thursday in Beijing at a press conference on the interpretation of this year's government work report, which was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation earlier in the day.

Shen Danyang, head of the government work report drafting team and director of the State Council Research Office, said centering on enhancing educational equity and quality, the report made arrangements for education at all educational stages and of all types.

"Regarding preschool education, the policy of free education in the year prior to entering primary school will continue to be implemented this year, which is commonly referred to as free admission to the senior class of kindergartens. So, how can the income reduction of kindergartens be addressed? Subsidies will be provided by both the central and local governments, with the central government taking the lion's share. This year, the funds allocated to support the development of preschool education will increase significantly by 37.8 percent to ensure the implementation of the beneficial policy," he said.

Regarding senior high school education, Shen said the report stated that the supply of regular senior high school places will be increased,

Specifically, for areas with a continuous net inflow of population, a number of regular high schools will be planned and constructed on an annual basis. For regions with a temporary shortage of school places, priority will be given to the renovation and expansion of existing teaching buildings, student dormitories and canteens, he said.

Shen said the report put forward many supportive measures in healthcare.

"For instance, it urged efforts to strengthen coordination in drug use at the grassroots level, which mean improving the list of essential drugs, and optimizing the channels for drug supply and drug use coordination between upper- and lower-level medical and health institutions to make it more convenient for the public to use drugs at their doorstep. Besides, the report has made arrangements for supporting the development of innovative drugs for the third consecutive year. This year, China will strengthen the coordination of supportive policies in an all-round way, further address issues such as the barriers facing innovative drugs entering hospitals, and better meet the diverse medical and medication needs of the people," he said.

In terms of social security, Shen said the report proposed to continue raising the minimum standard of basic pensions for urban and rural residents -- a policy will benefit over 180 million elderly people.

"The central government will allocate 1.25 trillion yuan (about 181.25 billion U.S. dollars) in subsidy funds to ensure the timely and full payment of pensions. In response to the insufficient protection of the rights and interests of people engaging in new occupations, the report proposed to steadily and orderly expand the scale of the pilot program for occupational injury insurance. This year, the policy will cover 31 provincial-level regions across the country and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Meanwhile, enterprises specializing in travel, instant delivery and intra-city freight delivery will be included in the pilot program, which will ensure the safety of more laborers, such as food delivery workers and online car-hailing drivers," he said.

China to improve people's wellbeing in education, healthcare, social security: official