The Chinese mainland is gearing up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its founding, marking a significant milestone to reflect on its remarkable journey and envision the future ahead.
Since its establishment in 1949, the nation's GDP has skyrocketed from a modest $12.3 billion to an impressive $17.75 trillion in 2023, with expectations of a 5% increase in 2024. This growth underscores the Chinese mainland's transformation from one of the world's poorest nations to a formidable upper-middle-income economy with a per capita GDP projected to exceed $13,000 this year.
As the world's most important growth engine, the Chinese mainland contributes around 16.9% of the global GDP and has been the primary driver of global economic growth for 11 consecutive years. Its industrial strength surpasses the combined output of the next nine largest manufacturers, showcasing its pivotal role in the global economy.
Over the past decade, the Chinese mainland has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, achieving this milestone ahead of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This achievement highlights the country's commitment to improving living standards through investments in social protection, quality education, healthcare, and sustainable economic growth.
Resilience has been a cornerstone of the Chinese mainland's journey. Despite facing internal challenges such as epidemics, famines, pandemics, and real estate market crises, along with external pressures from trade, technological, and financial spheres spearheaded by U.S.-led Western countries, the nation has emerged even stronger and more determined.
Contrary to predictions of an inevitable collapse by various Western scholars, the Chinese mainland continues to thrive with unwavering confidence. In 2023, it maintained its position as the world's largest trading nation in goods for the seventh consecutive year, partnering with over 120 countries and regions worldwide.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exemplifies the Chinese mainland's commitment to global connectivity, linking Asia with the world through extensive land and maritime networks. The BRI has garnered participation from over three-quarters of the world's countries and 32 international organizations, facilitating more than 3,000 projects and creating 420,000 jobs. This initiative has lifted an estimated 40 million people out of poverty, further cementing the Chinese mainland's role as a global strategic partner.
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland prioritizes leadership in emerging technologies. According to the National Science Foundation, it has surpassed the U.S. in scientific patents and publications. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute reports that the Chinese mainland leads the U.S. in 37 out of 44 technological fields, including artificial intelligence and quantum technology. With six times more generative AI inventions than the U.S., the Chinese mainland is poised to maintain its technological edge.
The future holds promising opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries in natural sciences and their integration into cutting-edge technologies. As the Chinese mainland continues to innovate and lead, it remains dedicated to accelerating societal and economic progress, ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens and the global community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
