By Meng Fanrong
ISLAMABAD- Against the backdrop of sweeping global, regional, and local transitions, Ambassador (Retd) Syed Hasan Javed, a renowned Pakistani sinologist, has emphasized the significance of China’s Two Sessions, which are being held at a particularly critical moment.
The Two Sessions, referring to the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), are annual gatherings that bring together China’s top legislators and political advisors to discuss national policies across various sectors.
Amb Syed Hasan Javed observed that the current two sessions are taking place at a time of profound transitions affecting strategy, foreign relations, politics, economy, technology, environment, culture and society.
“China, as a global powerhouse, is at the forefront of these transitions, and the Two Sessions are a crucial platform for charting the country’s following course and set the direction, parameters and targets for the future,” he said in an exclusive interview with China Economic Net.
He added that “the size and pace of China’s growing economy, large population, the wisdom of its strategic moves, the effectiveness of its win-win diplomacy and the reach of its soft power etc, make the Two Sessions, among the most keenly watched events globally.”
The Pakistani sinologist highlighted the diverse range of topics being discussed at the Two Sessions for the year of 2024, ranging from policies to attract foreign investment, green development to tackle climate change, the focus on social sector, domestic demand improvements in salary and pension structure to modern infrastructure development for a sustainable growth.
Amb Syed Hasan Javed was most impressed by this year’s government work report for its continued priority on economic growth, green development and global partnerships. “China’s policies for achieving sustainable economic growth are fairly balanced. These are based on a cautious evaluation of the challenges of multifaceted transition, regional and global realities. Chinese companies are now investing massively in research and development (R&D) in order to ensure their global competitiveness,” he stated.
He noted that China has successfully diversified its economy, trade, technology and market to ensure a sustained high growth rate. Based on GDP calculated at market prices, it is already more than 80 percent of US GDP, and still growing at double the US growth rate. He is confident that under ideal conditions of regional and global peace and security, China will exceed its GDP growth rate of more than 5 percent and may even achieve 6 percent instead.
“The breadth and depth of the discussions at the Two Sessions underscore China’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth,” he observed. “The country is not just looking inward but also seeking to engage with the world, particularly in the face of changing global dynamics.”
Amb Syed Hasan Javed also highlighted the role of the two sessions in shaping China’s foreign policy and its approach to regional and global issues. China has launched strategic diplomatic initiatives such as Belt and Road Initiative(BRI), Global Development Initiative(GDI), Global Security Initiative(GSI), for building a community of shared destiny. These concepts are evolving and winning global appeal as the need for global peace and harmony grows.
As an active member of the global family, China is playing a constructive role in the UN, WTO, UNCTAD and other global organizations, Syed said. China’s wisdom is increasingly sought at the global level to resolve intricate geopolitical disputes, environmental and climate change issues, realign economic, trade and development policies. China’s global influence only keeps growing due to its focus on positivism, balance and harmony.
The Pakistani sinologist concluded by calling for greater understanding and engagement with China’s Two Sessions among the international community. “The Two Sessions are not just about China; they are about the future of the global order,” he said. “It is imperative for us to follow these proceedings closely and understand the messages they convey about China’s vision for a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable world.”