Q&A|Ferdinando Nelli Feroci

The 19th CPC National Congress introduced Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, for China's long-term development. How do you think it will guide China's future?

President Xi Jinping's speech to the 19th CPC National Congress, and the conclusions of the congress, have confirmed that the general secretary of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China is capable of managing the complexities of the Chinese economy's transition as well as the growing expectations of Chinese society. The congress has confirmed its full support for Xi's leadership, giving him a strong mandate to govern China for the next five years.

President Xi Jinping said China has embarked on a "new era" in its development while spelling out a two-stage development plan for the country by the mid-21st century. What do you think of that? What is happening in China that impresses you the most?

The most impressive feature of China's recent history is the speed of economic growth performed in a context of political stability. The challenge for China in this "new era" is to continue with economic growth, fight against poverty, and reduce economic imbalances and disparities both among individuals and among regions. Strong, recognized political guidance is the necessary precondition for achieving these goals.

China's is still the world's fastest-growing economy, and millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. What in your opinion has been the key to such achievements? And what do you think of the Chinese development model?

There are several factors that explain China's economic performance. Among them I would quote the capacity of the Chinese leadership to reconcile market dynamics with a centralized system of control over the economy. The challenge for the future is to maintain a correct balance between the imperatives of economic growth with the social dimension of growth and demands that inevitably will emerge from Chinese society.

China has also been making efforts to reform and develop the global governance system. How do you think China's experience and wisdom can benefit countries and people around the world?

Even if the "Chinese model" is not easily exportable, China is actively and positively contributing to global governance. It does so by supporting the principles of an open trading system, by supporting the fight against climate change, by opposing international terrorism and by contributing to the reduction of the risks of nuclear proliferation. China's role will also continue to be essential in preventing regional crises, in Asia in particular.

(China Daily USA 10/30/2017 page7)