Xi leads efforts to build strong China as people's republic turns 76

IMPACT FAR BEYOND BORDERS

While stressing the importance of "managing China's own affairs well" amid a complex external environment, Xi has also championed China's active role and responsibility as a major country in a turbulent world.

In September, following his earlier global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, Xi unveiled a new Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, calling for broader efforts to forge a more just and equitable system of global governance.

Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, noted that the GGI further demonstrates China's commitment to an international system with the UN at its core.

"China's contributions have been impressive," said Yang, noting the country's unwavering support for the UN, its advocacy for dialogue and peace, and its dedication to the Global South.

Last week, in his video address at the UN Climate Summit held in New York, Xi announced a package of climate goals for 2035, including an absolute emissions reduction target -- a move widely seen as further evidence of China's commitment to global climate action.

Amid challenges ranging from climate change and energy and food crises to sluggish economic growth, countries around the world increasingly share a common future. In response, China has actively supported fellow developing nations through funding, training, and renewable energy projects.

Reaffirming China's commitment to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, Xi has pledged to create new opportunities for the world with its own development.

China is the "world's factory," with the most complete industrial chain. With 1.4 billion people -- including the world's largest middle-income group -- it is also a vast consumer market. Both as a producer and a consumer, China is deeply integrated with the global economy.

In trade alone, China is a major trading partner for over 150 countries and regions, and has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 nations and regions. In 2024, trade with Belt and Road partners made up more than half of China's total, while the country's services trade exceeded $1 trillion for the first time, placing the country second worldwide.

Analysts say Xi's concept of "a new development pattern," which is focused on the domestic economy while featuring positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows, is likely to gain further traction in the 15th Five-Year Plan. China's strengths in AI, advanced manufacturing and new energy are emerging as new drivers of global trade and investment.

During the holiday rush, smart factories in Yiwu -- the trading hub dubbed the "world's supermarket" -- are running at full capacity to fill orders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wen Congjian, a Yiwu-based football jersey designer and exporter, is hoping for another revenue surge like the last World Cup. "The shifts in Yiwu's market always mirror the pulse of the world," he said.

Amid rapidly evolving global challenges, China will continue to uphold true multilateralism and work with all nations to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said at Tuesday's reception.