By Ambassador Hu Changchun
The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century, with transformation, historical shifts and epochal evolution unfolding in ways never witnessed before. Global uncertainties, instabilities and unpredictable factors have increased significantly, while the US abuse of tariffs has further exacerbated the instability of the world. Under such circumstances, China will remain committed to being an “enabling power”, injecting stability and positive energy into global peace and development.
China is the main engine of global development and prosperity. In 2024, the Chinese economy showed strong resilience in a complex international environment, with its GDP reaching 134.9 trillion yuan (nearly 18.94 trillion US dollars), a year-on-year increase of 5%, and its contribution to world economic growth remained at around 30%. China has set its expected GDP growth target for this year at around 5%, showing the world its confidence in promoting high-quality development. Since March this year, China’s “Two Sessions” (the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference), the Annual Meeting of the China Development Forum, and the Annual Meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia have been held successively. President Xi Jinping met with representatives of the international business community. China continues to expand high-standard opening-up and deepen international cooperation.
In stark contrast to China’s commitment to openness and cooperation, the U.S. government recently imposed so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on nearly all its trading partners. China has taken and will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate interests, and uphold international fairness and justice. As the world’s second-largest economy, China has the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core, possesses the institutional strengths of a socialist market economy, the demand advantages of an ultra-large domestic market, and the supply advantages of a complete industrial system. Coupled with ample policy tools in reserve, China is fully confident, capable, and well-positioned to withstand the impact of the US’ abuse of tariffs. As the largest trading partner of over 150 countries and regions, China will steadfastly advance high-standard opening-up and share development opportunities with all nations to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
China is the anchor of stability in the turbulent world. The U.S. frequently resorts to trade protectionism, wields the sticks of tariffs and export controls, and builds “small yards with high fences”, and has thus exacerbated deglobalization and the uncertainty of the world. China remains committed to fulfilling its international responsibilities. It upholds true multilateralism, promotes global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and expands equal, open, and cooperative global partnerships. China advocates for a just, equitable, and inclusive international order, and devotes itself to peace, stability, and common development of the world.
The year 2025 marks an important year for both China and the world. China will solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and host a series of major events including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. China has always been and will continue to steer the trend of the times towards peace, development and win-win cooperation. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will stand firm on the right side of history and on the side of human progress. We will provide stability to this uncertain world.
China is the firm supporter of African development. Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. There will be no global modernization without African modernization. China implements a zero-tariff policy on 100 percent of products originating from the least developed countries ( LDCs) with which it has diplomatic ties, including 33 African countries. We are ready to actively implement the Ten Partnership Actions outlined at last year’s Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), supporting Africa in accelerating its development and forging a new path of self-reliance and self-strengthening.
China and Africa are the backbone of the Global South. The G20 Summit will be held on the African continent for the first time this year. China firmly supports South Africa in carrying out its duties as G20 president to enhance Africa’s representation and say in international affairs. I am confident that China and Africa will jointly participate in the reform and improvement of the global governance system, resolutely oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, thereby propelling the global governance toward greater fairness and equity, and making new contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ambassador Hu Changchun is Head of Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union and Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the UNECA
