Foreign scholars' perspective on Xi's report
General Secretary Xi Jinping's report at the opening of the 19th National Congress of Communist Party of China (CPC) has resonated well with Chinese people, with many hailing it as inspirational and thought-provoking. Meanwhile, foreign scholars also have studied the report and interpreted its meaning. Here they share their perspectives.
Rana Mitter, director of the University of Oxford China Centre
The most significant part of General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech was his firm pledge to make China a major actor in the world. At a time of major flux in the world order, it will be increasingly important for China to play a stabilizing, responsible role when it comes to questions of trade, security and international order. As China takes a greater role in the world, it will also have to shoulder many of the responsibilities of a great power, encouraging freer markets and a more transparent international environment. It will also have to tackle issues such as climate change and provide leadership there.
Peter Kagwanja, president and chief executive of the Africa Policy Institute, a think tank based in Kenya
In his speech, General Secretary Xi Jinping reiterated the Party's commitment to serving the people and ensuring prosperity for all. And this we have seen by the number of people who have been lifted out of poverty over the last decade. We have also seen China increasing its trading presence globally. No other country in the world can boast of such feats.
Arthur Dong, professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business
General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech was one of considered reflection on China's achievements combined with a clear-eyed view of the many challenges that lie ahead. Xi took note of the rapid advancement of China in the post-reform era from economic growth, elevated living standards to its growing influence on the world stage. He followed this by reminding the audience that much more work needs to be done and that China should not rest on its laurels but should work toward resolving some of the most critical fault line issues within China today.
Rebecca Nadin, head of the Risk and Resilience program at the Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom
It is encouraging to see that General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech points to regulation of the environmental regulation system. This demonstrates that the Party recognizes China's already significant pollution of water and soil resources, soil erosion, land degradation and ecosystems, and habitat loss. In recent years, China has been investing scientific, financial and human resources to tackle environmental problems and demonstrating strong global leadership on climate change. The decision to establish regulatory agencies to manage State-owned natural resource assets and monitor natural ecosystems will ensure that China's ongoing rapid urbanization and industrial development do not accelerate the rates of ecological degradation.
John Holden, CEO of US-China Strong Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit
The Chinese government and its people are very down-to-earth when it comes to national development and growth. They abandon empty talk and concentrate only on concrete work. As one of the world's strongest economies, China has more say in many global issues and now exercises immense influence in many regions. A strong and responsible China will benefit its Asian neighbors and the entire world.
James Moore, director of Georgetown University's Business, Society and Public Policy Initiative
What impressed me most was the confidence General Secretary Xi displayed by projecting an economic and political model for China that relies on a strengthened Party, a corruption-free system, and a sense that a patient and a persistent path to achieve a set of concrete goals had paid off.
