Diplomats say two sessions spotlight whole-process people’s democracy

Foreign envoys in Beijing expressed optimism about China’s growth prospects and said the annual sessions of the nation’s top legislative and political advisory bodies offer a critical window to observe the nation’s whole-process people’s democracy.

With China’s role as a global economic driver solidified, the outcomes of this year’s discussions will resonate far beyond its borders, according to the diplomats.

The annual session of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body, started on March 4, followed by the opening on March 5 of the meeting of the National People’s Congress, the top legislature.

At the NPC session, lawmakers deliberated on the Government Work Report, which set out key targets for the nation’s socioeconomic development this year and unveiled key measures to shore up the world’s second-largest economy.

Turkish Ambassador to China Ismail Hakki Musa said he sees China’s commitment to high-level opening-up as a catalyst for a more dynamic and efficient market, which will benefit foreign investors, including Turkish enterprises.

Reflecting on the major decisions made during last year’s two sessions, particularly those aimed at “deepening economic reforms and improving the business environment”, he said that China’s focus on nurturing high-tech industries and fostering new quality productive forces has led to rapid advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, a field in which the country is emerging as a major global player.

Data showed that China’s total expenditure on research and development exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan ($494 billion) in 2024, making it the world’s second-largest R&D spender. The country also climbed to 11th place in the Global Innovation Index in 2024, solidifying its status as one of the fastest-improving economies.

Djauhari Oratmangun, the Indonesian ambassador to China, stressed the importance of the two sessions in shaping China’s economic direction, particularly at a time of global uncertainty.

He noted that China’s economic growth has a “positive effect” on the world, playing a crucial role in global economic recovery.

In 2024, China’s economic output exceeded 130 trillion yuan for the first time, achieving its expected GDP growth target of around 5 percent. The country’s contribution to global economic growth has remained at approximately 30 percent for many years.

Namibian Ambassador to China Elia Kaiyamo said China’s governance model is effective.

He said he believes that the gatherings will further outline China’s modernization blueprint, unlock its innovation potential, and address key issues.

“I have no doubt that China will continue to be a major engine for global growth this year,” he said.

Salvador Moncada, Honduran ambassador to China, said: “The two sessions always provide the most valuable insights into China’s policy direction for the year. Personally, with my background in science, I would be particularly interested in some areas such as science and technology ... and how China plans to boost its self-reliance in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other strategic industries.”

Envoys said the two sessions show how China ensures broad participation and consultation.

Moncada noted that “public reports, policy debates, and legislative votes demonstrate transparency and legitimacy, highlighting China’s model of democracy as a process involving consultation, deliberation, and implementation”.

Musa, the Turkish ambassador, said that China’s unique democratic system is results-oriented and focuses on people’s real needs, making it a topic of international interest.

Contact the writers at zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn