Qaiser Nawab Photo: Courtesy of Nawab

Editor's Note:
The two sessions, one of China's most important annual political events, is an important window for the outside world to understand China's development achievements, plans, governance philosophy, diplomatic concepts and global initiatives. Through this window, international observers closely watch China's moves and recognize China's development. 

Qaiser Nawab (Nawab), an international expert on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) currently serving at the Islamabad-based Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), told the Global Times (GT) that from the BRI to the concept of a human community with a shared future, China understands that "there are numerous interconnected problems facing the world today and that no one nation can address them all by itself." He added that China's growing circle of friends is the result of a combination of its visionary leadership, commitment to multilateralism and win-win cooperation, as well as its growing global influence.

This is the fourth interview of this series over the two sessions.


GT: In 2023, the difficulties and challenges facing the world will continue unabated. The world economy is struggling to recover in the post-pandemic era, and there is a consensus that China's development is an opportunity for the world. The two sessions is the first major political event after the successful convening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). What does the world expect from the two sessions?

Nawab: Keeping China's growing influence in global affairs in view, I would say that the world has high expectations from the two sessions in China, as China plays an important role in driving the global economy. Since the late 1980s, China started to expand and flourish its economy, and the GDP increase was observed to have grown by an average of 9 percent annually, which means that a major segment of people near the poverty line have been lifted out of miserable poverty. I'm talking about the exact same era when access to health, education, and other daily life facilities and services were significantly improved. 

Going forward, it will be crucial that efforts to reduce poverty concentrate more on addressing the vulnerabilities faced by the substantial population, the class of society which is still classified as poor by middle-income country standards, including those residing in metropolitan areas.

China is a key player in many regional and international development challenges due to its size. Without China's involvement, global environmental problems cannot be resolved. The worldwide demand is also significantly influenced by China's expanding economy.

The world is seeking for strong, decisive leadership in the post-pandemic age to help recover from the global economy and handle the numerous difficulties humanity is currently experiencing. Many nations see the two sessions as an opportunity for China to show its commitment to global cooperation and to play a more proactive role in tackling global concerns given China's significant economic influence and expertise responding to the COVID-19 epidemic.


GT: When attending a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a series of major initiatives and proposals, such as building a human community with a shared future and jointly developing the Belt and Road Initiative, and the core of these concepts is that all countries in the world are interdependent, the destiny of mankind is shared, and the international community should unite and cooperate. In your opinion, how do these concepts reflect about China's diplomatic philosophy? Why have these ideas widely received positive reactions from the international community?

Nawab: As a professional in the field of international relations, I can affirm that China's rising commitment to taking a more active part in world events and to advancing humanity's well-being is reflected both in the country's promotion of the BRI and a human community with a shared future. It demonstrates China's understanding that there are numerous interconnected problems facing the world today and that no one nation can address them all by itself.

The BRI was once viewed as a development program intended to spur economic expansion and advance international connectivity. Yet with the COVID-19 epidemic and its effects on the world economy, the focus has switched to creating a more cooperative and interconnected world where the welfare of all countries and people is prioritized.

There are a number of reasons why these initiatives have received positive responses from the global community. First off, the BRI and its goal of creating a human community with a shared future are consistent with the expanding trend of interregional cooperation. Second, the projects have provided many nations with much-needed infrastructure and investment, which has fueled economic growth and development. Additionally, the programs have opened up new doors for cultural and people-to-people contacts, which have aided in fostering international understanding and trust.

Finally, China's diplomatic philosophy, as reflected in these initiatives, represents a recognition of the complex challenges facing the world and a commitment to finding collaborative solutions to these challenges. The positive reactions from the international community demonstrate the widespread support for this approach and the growing recognition of China's role in global affairs.


GT: What role does China play in the international arena? What has Chinese wisdom contributed to global governance?

Nawab: In my opinion, China plays an increasingly important role in the international arena. Over the past few decades, China's economic and political influence has grown significantly, and it is now widely recognized as a major global power.

In terms of its role in international affairs, China has demonstrated its commitment to promoting stability and peace in the world, and to supporting multilateralism and the rule of law. China has actively participated in the work of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization, and has contributed to the resolution of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and disease. Additionally, China's BRI has brought investment and infrastructure to many countries, helping drive economic growth and development.

In terms of its contribution to global governance, Chinese wisdom has a rich and long history, and has much to offer the world. China's long-standing emphasis on stability and harmony, for example, is reflected in the idea of "win-win" cooperation, which has become a key principle of the BRI. Additionally, China's experience with economic development has much to teach other countries, as China has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve rapid economic growth while also addressing social and environmental challenges.

Briefly, China plays an increasingly important role in the international arena, and its contributions to global governance are widely recognized. China's wisdom, rooted in its rich cultural heritage, has much to offer the world, and its approach to global governance is increasingly seen as a valuable contribution to the resolution of global challenges.

China has strong incentives to cooperate with other countries to address global concerns. The US and other countries ought to support it because it has an increasing capacity to contribute to the solution of global challenges.


GT: During Tuesday's press conference, Foreign Minister Qin Gang noted that China, relying on partnerships, will promote coordination and positive interactions among major powers, develop friendly cooperation with other countries, and promote the building of a new type of international relations. The circle of friends of China is getting wider and wider, with more and more new friends and old friends becoming closer. How do you understand these developments?

Nawab: China's circle of friends has been growing due to a number of reasons, which I believe can be attributed to the vision and policies of President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government.

Building "a human community with a shared future" is one of China's top aims, and widening its social network is a component of that. China's circle of friends is growing for several reasons, including its economic growth and increasing global influence, its commitment to multilateralism and win-win cooperation, and its leadership in addressing global challenges.

Firstly, China's economy has been growing rapidly over the past several decades, making it an increasingly attractive partner for countries around the world. The BRI, which aims to promote economic development and build interconnectivity between countries, has been particularly attractive to many countries and has helped China to expand its circle of friends.

Secondly, China has been playing an increasingly important role in international affairs and has demonstrated its commitment to multilateralism and win-win cooperation. Through initiatives such as the BRI and its participation in international organizations, China has shown a willingness to work with other countries to promote peace, stability, and prosperity. This has helped build trust and cooperation between China and other countries.

Finally, China's leadership in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, has won it friends and supporters around the world. Its proactive approach to tackling these issues and its commitment to making a positive impact in the world have been well received by the international community.