Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has described China's development as "one of the most remarkable stories" of recent centuries, praising the country's growing global influence and continued commitment to openness and scientific and technological innovation.
Shipley paid a visit to China in late March to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference, which took place in Boao Town, in south China's Hainan Province. In an exclusive interview with CCTV aired on Friday, Shipley -- a long-standing member of the BFA Advisory Committee -- shared her views on the theme of this year's event, "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future." and on the continent's role in global affairs, calling for greater composure amid an increasingly uncertain international landscape.
"The topic was perfect for the time. It allowed everybody who was present to really focus on the current circumstances, and look, a resilient Asia is what we need. It's not a moment for us to lose our confidence, to be overly distracted. We need to remember that Asia has been the engine room for the global economy for at least the last decade, and even in the forward projections, Asia is going to be where most of the activity is. And yes, of course, there are some very significant international distractions, but I think it's a moment to be calm. The Boao Forum really looked at how collaboration can make a difference and how to use RCEP, for example, how to revitalize APEC, how to think about bringing China into the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), other opportunities that really still continue to grow trade and prosperity for our region. That was very constructive," said the former prime minister of New Zealand.
Shipley also praised the Boao Forum for its "constructive" discussions on enhancing regional economic cooperation.
"The Boao Forum really looked at how collaboration can make the difference and how to use RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), for example, how to revitalize APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), how to think about bringing China into the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), other opportunities that really still continue to grow trade and prosperity for our region. That was very constructive," she said.
Her comments came on the same day that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with international business leaders at the Great Hall of the People, where several CEOs described China as "an oasis of certainty" and a thriving hub for investment and business growth.
Echoing this sentiment, Shipley said President Xi's speech reaffirmed China's commitment to opening its market to the outside world. She added that this sends a clear message to investors and entrepreneurs that the country will not back down despite external pressure, helping build confidence not only in China but also in its neighbors and in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
"China's rising is one of the most remarkable stories of the centuries that we've just most recently lived through. And President Xi's comments have done nothing but continue to make it clear that China is opening up. There was a very important message in this moment -- that China's not going to go backward or be intimidated, that they want to do business with the world. And it will attract direct foreign investment; it will allow CEOs to be confident not only in China, but in many of your neighbors, and also the Belt and Road network, that China has been so instrumental in supporting its development. These are also economies that are projected to grow," said the former prime minister.
Shipley further highlighted China's innovation momentum, citing advancements in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and homegrown technologies such as the large language model DeepSeek.
"The innovation being led out of China, I think, is also continuing to illustrate that China is here to stay, that you are repeatedly demonstrating that you're at the front edge of new innovation -- your cars, AI, DeepSeek -- I mean these are very important moments," she said.
She also noted that China's progress in technological self-reliance has expanded global tech options and represents an encouraging trend for the industry.
"I have tried DeepSeek. It would be early days for me to pass judgment on it. But I value the fact that we have a choice, that there are many different AI options, and it's very important at this moment that China can demonstrate that they're not reliant on other people's technology. They're continuing to demonstrate innovation. And that's not just DeepSeek. I mean, this has been going on, and it gave the world a boost. It didn't make them distressed. This is a very positive mood," said Shipley.
China's rise among most remarkable stories of recent centuries: former New Zealand PM
China's rise among most remarkable stories of recent centuries: former New Zealand PM
