Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB), has lauded China's development achievements under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, calling them a powerful example for countries of the Global South seeking a path of independent and sustainable development.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Shanghai on Monday, Rousseff highlighted China's transformation into the world's second-largest economy and its global leadership in advanced sectors such as electronics, green technology, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence.
"In recent years, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments. It has become the world's second-largest economy, strengthened its position as the leading manufacturing powerhouse, and taken a leading role in innovation in areas such as electronic technology, green technology -- such as electric vehicles -- and artificial intelligence. Here, I would like to highlight one historic achievement: the complete eradication of extreme poverty in China," said Rousseff.
Rousseff also credited China's progress to the guiding principles of its leadership and governance.
"I believe these achievements and advancements reflect the efforts of the Chinese government and, more importantly, embody President Xi Jinping's governance philosophy. His thinking is rooted in both theoretical construction and practical experience, and it is tailored to China's own national conditions, driving the progress of socialism with Chinese characteristics. At the same time, it sets an outstanding example for countries of the Global South that are searching for a suitable development path -- because China has built its path in an autonomous and sustainable way. And that is exactly what the Global South aspires to: forging development paths that are independent and sustainable," she said.
NDB president praises China's development model as aspiration for Global South
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
