A thumps-up for China on its 20th National Congress

Published:October 21,2022

By Ofwono Opondo                                             

The Communist Party of China (CPC) this week held its 20^th National Congress of 2,340 delegates with President Xi Jiping making a bold clarion call to the Chinese people to be more determined in creativity, scientific innovation and national unity for a shared, secure and prosperous world.

In addition to outlining the milestones of “Reform and Opening up”, among them the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics, eradication of absolute poverty and achieving a moderately prosperous society in the first centenary, President Xi unveiled the blueprint for up until 2035.

China’s GDP today is 18.5% of world economy up 7.2% a decade ago making China the largest and leading trading country in total volume of goods with 140 countries. China is now among the world’s major innovators with breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. With its people-centered philosophy of development, China has built the largest education, social security, and healthcare systems in the world.

The Belt and Road Initiative has been embraced by the international community as a public good and cooperation platform spreading connectivity, infrastructure development, investments, industrialisation, trade, tourism, technological and capital fund transfer to spur economic growth, transformation and shared prosperity.

With 1.4bn people, China is proving to the world that stability, freedoms and shared prosperity are possible if leaders commit to the common good rather than greed. Its modernization is in material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature evidenced by a successful environmental and biodiversity protection, promotion and sustenance.

Modern China led by the CPC, since its founding in 1949 has risen from poverty to prosperity while simultaneously leading in supporting other countries like Uganda in their development agenda. It is heart-warming that last year China eliminated poverty surpassing the UN target.

China, especially since re-joining the UN in 1971, has been a leading voice of reason, moderation, stability and development assistance in international affairs firmly promoting multilateralism. In turn, most countries have also affirmed the One China policy as the basis for international relations and support for the peaceful re-unification with Taiwan.

During the last seven decades its leaders have remained committed to the original aspiration and founding mission of the CPC to continue with courage and ability carrying the fight for liberation and social emancipation, and helped many African countries to achieve their independence.

At ongoing Congress President Xi has expounded China’s overall development objectives up to 2035, which include growing the per capita GDP to reach par with that of the developed countries. It also includes enhancing China’s national soft power, steadily lower carbon emissions, and comprehensively strengthens national security and defence capabilities.

Xi further stressed the tasks and targets in China’s modernization drive to include building a high-standard socialist market economy, advancing all-round people’s democracy, broaden employment opportunities and governance based on the rule of law on all fronts.

And in spite its geographical, population, economic, political, technological, and military size and strength, China has always underscored the importance of every country’s right to pursue their own politics and modernization in accordance with conditions suitable and aspirations their people support. China has always sought harmony and never invaded other countries.

China is a major power and player in a world where strategic opportunities are abound, although many concurrent, and sometimes unforeseen risks, challenges, uncertainties keep rising.

The world is once again at crossroads because of US and Western European hegemonism, and therefore, China’s leadership is critical in offering stability. China and its leadership must remain vigilant, build its strength and commitment to promote multilateralism, human prosperity and a shared future. It’s only when all countries pursue the cause of common good, harmoniously and cooperation for mutual benefit that there will be sustained prosperity and guaranteed security.

We applaud China for adhering to the noble principles of economic globalization, and for opposing all forms of unilateralism, hegemonism, Cold War mentality, double standards, and interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. China has been and continues to a reliable partner to Uganda and Africa.

The writer   is the Executive Director

Uganda Media Centre