Nigeria Times

By People’s Daily reporters

This year’s government work report of China for the first time proposed creating new forms of smart economy. According to the report, China will launch new infrastructure projects on hyper-scale intelligent computing clusters and coordinated development of computing capacity and electricity supply.

These policies are expected to provide strong support and vast possibilities for the next leap forward in economic and social development.

China’s advantages become clearer when the policy directions outlined in the report are viewed alongside two recent developments.

The first concerns power equipment manufacturers in provinces such as Guangdong and Jiangsu, whose production lines are operating at full capacity. As global demand for computing power surges and countries accelerate the construction of data centers, overseas orders for Chinese power equipment have soared. This trend aligns with a popular saying in investment circles: “The end of AI is electricity.”

The second development occurred between Feb. 9 and Feb. 15 this year, when the number of  tokens processed by Chinese AI models reached 4.12 trillion, surpassing U.S. AI models for the first time. Developers worldwide have discovered that running tasks on Chinese models is often far more cost-effective than using American alternatives.

The AI revolution is driving an anticipated explosive growth in global electricity demand. The global expansion in token usage essentially reflects a process where electricity is tansformed into computing power, and computing power into intelligence. In the AI era, countries that can provide lower-cost, more reliable electricity and more responsive power grids will hold a decisive cost advantage. This is why another saying has circulated online: “If the end of AI is electricity, then the end of electricity is China.”

In fact, the United States lags behind China in several foundational aspects crucial for AI development. A key constraint lies in its power infrastructure. The U.S. grid is fragmented into three largely isolated systems — the Eastern Interconnection, Western Interconnection, and Texas Interconnection. This fragmentation leads to chronic inefficiencies: surplus power cannot be readily transmitted to regions in need. Grid stability, load capacity, and infrastructure expansion are all struggling to keep pace with suring demand.

In a recent interview, Wang Jian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that if the United States wants to build new power plants, it must start with basic equipment such as transformers. “Transformer manufacturing is largely concentrated in China,” he said.

Faced with power supply constraints, some major U.S. tech companies have begun seeking their own solutions. Microsoft has resorted to build gas-turbine generators due to delays in grid connection, while Google has signed large power purchase agreements with nuclear energy companies. 

If electricity shortage persist, the burden could ultimately shift to consumers. Regional grid operators in states including Michigan and Virginia have announced that electricity rates for 67 million residents in their service areas are expected to rise by 20 to 30 percent in 2026.

In an energy system driven primarily by financial returns, sustaining long-term investment is often hard to sustain. When electricity becomes scarce, prices rise until demand declines. This purely market-driven approach can produce outcomes that are unfavorable to ordinary consumers.

China has chosen a different path. 

Consider one key figure: in 2025, China’s total electricity consumption exceeded 10 trillion kilowatt-hours, the largest in the world and more than double that of the United States. In July and August 2025, monthly electricity consumption each surpassed 1 trillion kilowatt-hours, setting a global record, yet there were no widespread power shortages and no price increases.

How has China achieved this? 

A key factor is treating electricity as a public good and prioritizing universal access. Forty-six ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission projects form major corridors that carry electricity from west to east and from north to south across the country. 

Meanwhile, China’s “East Data, West Computing” strategy places data centers in regions rich in renewable energy resources, allowing wind and solar power from western China to be converted into computing power and transmitted through fiber-optic networks to users across the country and around the world.

At the same time, breakthroughs in large-scale hydropower stations, advanced nuclear power units and heavy-duty gas turbines have steadily strengthened China’s power generation capacity.

What truly distinguishes China is not just individual transmission line or power plant, but a system capable of mobilizing resources to deliver major projects. In the United States, while the need to upgrade the power grid is widely recognized, market participants are often reluctant to invest in infrastructure with long payback periods.

China, by contrast, emphasizes a moderately proactive development approach. Even before power shortages arise, transmission lines and power plants are planned and built in advance to ensure future supply. The country also takes a nationwide approach to optimizing resource allocation.

Last month, the State Grid Corporation of China announced that its fixed-asset investment during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) is expected to reach about 4 trillion yuan ($580 billion), a 40 percent increase from the 14th Five-Year Plan period. 

While others are still preoccupied with immediate electricity supply challenges, China is already acting early, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality development of its energy system and providing stronger support for the future intelligent economy.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

At the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, Chinese companies captured global attention with a wave of cutting-edge innovations. From the world’s first robot phone and lip-reading AI glasses to adorable AI companions for emotional support, these bold and futuristic products left global media calling them game-changing.

Connecting China’s “two sessions,” the annual meetings of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), and top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, with the international stage in Barcelona, these concurrent events vividly illustrate the vibrant dynamism of an innovative China. 

The Economist Intelligence Unit, affiliated with the The Economist, noted in its analysis that China’s new five-year plan is more proactive, focusing on breakthroughs in key technologies and accelerating the deep integration of science, technology, and industry.

Why do international observers perceive China’s pace of technological innovation as “proactive”?

From the perspective of modernization, scientific and technological innovation provides crucial support for China’s advancement. China consistently holds that science and technology are the primary productive forces and innovation the primary driving force. By fostering the development of new quality productive forces, the country has effectively enhanced overall social productivity.

A key driver of China’s rapid technological advancement is its approach of promoting innovation through practical application and nurturing momentum via real-world scenarios. 

During the “two sessions” meetings, foreign journalists utilized Chinese AI glasses for tasks such as translation and photography, praising the technology for making communication more efficient. 

Examples abound: robots automating tasks in factories, robotic dogs aiding agricultural work in rural areas, brain-computer interface technologies offering “digital hands” to paralyzed patients, and AI-powered cognitive screening protecting the cognitive health of the elderly. China’s vast “innovation testing ground” allows frontier technologies to be repeatedly tested and refined in real-world settings, continuously transforming them into powerful momentum for high-quality development.

The draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) provides a new blueprint for scientific and technological innovation. 

It proposes that nationwide spending on research and development should grow by more than 7 percent annually. It also outlines 28 major initiatives focused on enhancing the foundations and competitiveness of industry, fostering emerging industries and new development tracks, advancing frontier technologies, and strengthening the fundamental capacity for innovation. 

With forward-looking strategic planning and seamless alignment between the innovation chain and the industrial chain, China’s blueprint for driving the development of new quality productive forces through technological innovation is clear and full of promise.

From the perspective of the two overall domestic and international situations, responding to risks and challenges also requires technological innovation. 

Today, the international landscape is undergoing changes of a depth rarely seen in history, and the intensity of turbulence has become more pronounced. China’s development stands at a stage where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, while uncertainties and unpredictable factors are increasing. Only by taking the lead in scientific and technological innovation can the country firmly grasp the initiative in development.

Over the past year, China has made new breakthroughs in independent chip development; the country’s first asteroid sample-return mission Tianwen‑2 has begun its work to explore asteroids; the large-scale application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has been comprehensively expanded; construction has begun on the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River; and the domestically built electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has officially entered service. 

These achievements demonstrate that enhanced science and technology capabilities strengthen China’s resilience under pressure, while vibrant innovation bolsters the country’s adaptability. Scientific and technological innovation has become a powerful source of China’s resilience.

In the world today, coping with uncertainty and strengthening development resilience is a shared task for all. China’s continuous progress in scientific and technological innovation is creating new space for international cooperation. 

Recently, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Chinese technology companies during his visit to China and remarked that China has once again proved itself indispensable. This is also the shared judgment of businesses around the world. 

German manufacturer of rolling element bearings Schaeffler Group recently announced an additional investment of 1 billion yuan (nearly $145 million) in Taicang, east China’s Jiangsu province, to build a digital and intelligent factory for humanoid robots, targeting the wave of intelligent transformation in the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, science-led biopharmaceutical business AstraZeneca from the UK has announced cooperation with Chinese partners to develop new treatments for metabolic diseases using AI technology. 

Each story of such “two-way engagement” nurtures new solutions for global industrial upgrading. A report by NBC News concluded that China’s innovation and development will be a blessing for the world.

From China’s pace of scientific and technological progress, the world senses the firm confidence of the Chinese economy as it moves forward through challenges and sees broad opportunities for upgrading mutually beneficial cooperation. 

As the 15th Five-Year Plan period begins, China will continue to join hands with countries around the world in pursuing scientific and technological progress, using innovation-driven cooperation to bring greater certainty and positive energy to global development.

By Li Xinping, People’s Daily

The year 2026 marks the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

China targets an economic growth of 4.5-5 percent this year and will strive for better in practice, according to the country’s government work report. 

Main targets for development this year also include: a surveyed urban unemployment rate around 5.5 percent; over 12 million new urban jobs; an increase in consumer price index of around 2 percent; growth in personal income in step with economic growth; a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments; grain output of around 700 million tons; and a drop of around 3.8 percent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP.

These core indicators collectively signal a clear national priority: the unwavering pursuit of high-quality development. This strategy focuses on achieving substantive qualitative improvements alongside reasonable quantitative growth.

The targets embody a balance of “change” and “continuity,” reflecting a policy methodology that emphasizes progress while ensuring stability. Despite external uncertainties, China remains focused on managing its domestic affairs effectively, leveraging the certainty derived from high-quality development to navigate external challenges.

Setting the economic growth target at around 4.5-5 percent demonstrates a pragmatic approach. This realistic assessment acknowledges current economic headwinds while providing necessary flexibility for structural adjustments, risk mitigation, and reforms.

Furthermore, the target also aligns with the long-range objectives through the year 2035 and reflects the requirement of laying a solid foundation and making comprehensive efforts during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, balancing both present needs and long-term goals.

By committing to striving for better in practice, China demonstrates a resolve for action, dedication, and tenacity in overcoming difficulties. This consistent approach embodies the historical initiative of the Communist Party of China — the courage to face severe tests head-on and the determination to surmount challenges, mitigate risks, and tackle difficulties.

A closer look at the three major indicators — prices, employment, and the balance of payments — offers further insight. Together with economic growth, these indicators are often referred to as the “four pillars” of macroeconomic performance. This year, the targets for employment, prices, and international payments remain unchanged from last year. This demonstrates that, on the basis of maintaining stability and safeguarding the fundamentals, China will continue consolidating and strengthening the momentum of economic recovery and growth. 

Regarding income, the report states that personal incomes rise in step with economic growth. This goal may sound simple, but behind it lies a policy orientation that places people’s well-being above all else. Measures such as improving policies for free preschool education and increasing minimum basic old-age benefits for rural and non-working urban residents by 20 yuan ($2.9) highlight a stronger commitment to delivering tangible benefits for the people.

Another point worth noting is the grain output target. The government work report proposes a grain output of around 700 million metric tons. While this figure appears unchanged from last year, it carries deeper significance. 

It represents both a firm commitment to the bottom line that “China’s food supply remains firmly in its own hands” and a solid step toward the goal of reaching around 725 trillion metric tons in overall grain production capacity during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Achieving stability at the 700 million metric ton level for two consecutive years demonstrates strategic patience, providing a solid platform for reaching even higher production levels.

Finally, the target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by about 3.8% balances the needs of economic and social development, green and low-carbon transition, and national energy security. This measured reduction supports the orderly achievement of China’s goal to peak carbon emissions before 2030.

Recent years have seen China refine its climate approach, shifting from a system focused primarily on controlling total energy consumption to a “dual control” mechanism targeting both the total volume and intensity of carbon emissions. This evolution represents a move from regulating energy inputs to managing carbon outputs, and from indirect carbon control towards more targeted carbon governance. Consequently, the orientation toward green development is clearer, market-based incentives are stronger, and alignment with global climate governance efforts is closer.

This year’s government work report continues to prioritize people’s well-being. Initiatives range from enhanced fiscal support for public services and plans to boost urban and rural incomes, to increasing the proportion of government investment allocated to livelihood projects. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to delivering concrete improvements that enhance citizens’ sense of fulfillment.

From the 1st Five-Year Plan to the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation has remained unchanged. The country’s major undertakings are always rooted in the need and concerns of the people. 

Chinese modernization is not an abstract concept; it is manifested in rising incomes, improved surroundings, growing hope among the people, and the warmth of policies that touch every aspect of people’s lives.

Looking forward, China’s development targets form a coherent progression: annual objectives feed into Five-Year Plans, which in turn advance the long-range vision for 2035. This interlocking strategic framework ensures the national blueprint is implemented consistently. By steadfastly focusing on managing its own affairs effectively and making solid, incremental progress, China advances steadily towards its goals.

Erik Solheim in an interview with People’s Daily

By Qu Pei, Chen Xirui, People’s Daily

Erik Solheim, former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, currently serves as co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center. 

A longstanding champion of global ecological cooperation, Solheim has both observed and contributed to China’s sustainable development initiatives, maintaining active engagement with the nation’s green transformation efforts.

Q: A growing number of Chinese projects are receiving the UN’s highest environmental honor, the “Champions of the Earth” award. What does this signify?

A: When I first joined the UN, I noticed something surprising: very few Chinese projects had received the Champions of the Earth Award. This was not because China lacked successful cases. Many reviewers were sitting in offices thousands of kilometers away, far from the field, and unable to truly see the green transformation taking place in China and other developing countries. My takeaway was simple: if people are willing to go to China and see it for themselves, they will find green stories across the country.

In a relatively short period, China has achieved remarkable environmental outcomes while significantly improving people’s quality of life. China’s experience offers valuable lessons for many developing countries.

Q: How has China managed to achieve rapid progress in green transformation?

A: President Xi Jinping proposed the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” resonates deeply with me. It sends a clear message: China no longer views economic growth and ecological protection as conflicting priorities. Instead, they advance simultaneously and synergistically.

The key to China’s rapid green transformation lies in its highly stable and continuously advancing ecological governance system.

First, China’s policies show long-term consistency. From the long-range objectives through the year 2035 to the ‘two centenary goals’ looking toward 2049, China is adept at formulating strategic visions that span decades and implementing them steadily through successive Five-Year Plans. This kind of strategic continuity is a unique institutional strength that many countries can learn from.

At the same time, China’s market remains vibrant and competitive. Enterprises continuously drive technological progress, reduce costs and expand capacity. By combining effective government guidance with effective market resource allocation, China’s green transition has accelerated dynamically.

Q: In China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, what aspects are you paying most attention to?

A: I focus most on new quality productive forces and green development. The former encompasses cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data and advanced manufacturing; the latter drives comprehensive green transformation. These are not separate — they are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

On the one hand, new technologies are accelerating the green revolution. For example, Huawei uses AI-powered acoustic analysis to track Hainan gibbon, enablingtargeted conservation. Energy companies use intelligent algorithms to coordinate power grids, integrating wind, solar, hydropower, and storage systems.

On the other hand, green energy is the foundation for technological progress. Without low-cost, large-scale clean energy, we cannot sustain the immense power demands of AI data centres. Green energy powers technological development, which in turn advances green development.

Q: Is environmental protection solely an idealistic pursuit?

A: If the green transition were  driven only by idealism, it would ack sustainability. It must also demonstrate economic viability. Compared to two decades ago, the price of solar modules has fallen to less than 5 percent of its 2005 level. This 95 percent cost reduction stems from intense market competition and continuous technological progress, with China playing a pivotal role.

In many developing regions, people urgently need to escape poverty and gain reliable electricity, but energy must be affordable. Without China, the global green transition would not cease, but it would be far more expensive and much slower. If some Western countries take a more open approach to global green efforts, including cooperation with China, the outcome could be mutually beneficial. In this context, China can further promote the global green transition through investment, cooperation and technology sharing. 

Q: Some argue that using Chinese green technologies could lead to a loss of energy independence. What is your perspective?

A: Exactly opposite is the case. Every country has natural resources that can be developed. When you import Chinese green technologies, such as solar panels, you are utilizing your own domestic resources — this is very different from importing energy like oil. By basing economic development on solar, wind or hydropower, a country taps into its own resources and can achieve energy independence. In this way, international cooperation can help upgrade local technologies and promote industrial development.

We must recognize that addressing climate change, tackling ecological crises and eliminating poverty are shared global responsibilities. Through cooperation, these challenges are solvable. However, division and confrontation can render even minor problems insurmountable.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China’s recently concluded “two sessions,” the annual meetings of the country’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), and top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), have provided an important opportunity for the international community to observe Chinese democracy. 

At the meetings, nearly 3,000 NPC deputies and more than 2,000 members of the CPPCC National Committee fulfilled their duties and brought voices from the grassroots to the country’s highest deliberative platforms. 

The people’s aspirations and expectations have been fully integrated into the top-level design of national development, fully demonstrating the vitality of whole-process people’s democracy.

The draft outline of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) was a major focus of the international community during this year’s “two sessions.”

The drafting process included online consultations that collected more than 3.113 million suggestions from internet users. Government departments at all levels compiled and categorized proposals on issues of public concern, including easier access to education, better employment, and strengthening elderly care. 

In formulating the plan, China integrated top-level design with extensive public consultation, ensuring that the efforts of the Party and the government align with the aspirations of the people. An international media outlet noted that the extensive social participation in drafting the 15th Five-Year Plan reflects whole-process people’s democracy in practice.

Through the “two sessions,” the world has seen that Chinese people’s willingness for participating in democratic processes continues to grow, while the breadth and depth of participation keep expanding and the channels and forms of engagement become increasingly diverse. 

A journalist from Latin America observed that China’s “two sessions” bring together deputies and members from all ethnic groups and all sectors of society, including education, healthcare and science and technology, ensuring that diverse voices are fully heard. 

The deliberation of draft legislation such as the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, and the National Development Planning Law vividly illustrated the interaction between democracy and the rule of law, as well as the integration of public opinion with the legislative process.

The drafting of the Ecological and Environmental Code, for example, included four rounds of public consultation and received more than 20,000 suggestions from over 7,000 participants, many of which were carefully studied and incorporated into the draft.

A closer look at China’s democratic practice shows that genuine and effective democracy contributes to efficient governance. 

In 2025, departments of the State Council handled 8,754 suggestions submitted by NPC deputies and 4,868 proposals from CPPCC members, all of which were processed on schedule. State Council departments adopted more than 4,900 suggestions put forward by NPC deputies and CPPCC members and introduced over 2,200 related policy measures.

In Linxia, northwest China’s Gansu province, an NPC deputy proposed building an expressway that traverses mountains and valleys to boost farmers’ incomes. In Yinzhou district, Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang province, a voting system was adopted, where the public proposes, representatives decide, the government implements, and the public evaluates, leading to the construction of a safe path for students on their way to school. These are just two examples of how suggestions from the grassroots are met with responses, oversight, and action, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to the people.

Hong Won-sook, a South Korean expert who has lived and worked in Shanghai for many years and has been invited several times to participate in activities of the Shanghai CPPCC, said that China’s whole-process people’s democracy gives people a place where they can voice their views. When they face difficulties, they can raise them; their voices are heard and their suggestions are implemented, helping make people’s lives better.

China’s whole-process people’s democracy stands in stark contrast to forms of democracy in some countries that have become increasingly “formalistic” or reduced to slogans. It offers the international community food for thought on effective ways to realize democracy. 

Democracy is not an ornament or a decorative label; it is meant to solve problems for the people. A system in which people can only express their wishes but cannot see them realized is not true democracy. China’s democracy is people’s democracy, and the people’s status as masters of the country is its essence and core. 

This form of democracy, which has grown from China’s own soil, is flourishing and has boosted confidence among other developing countries seeking to explore democratic development paths suited to their national conditions. A Brazilian media outlet said that whole-process people’s democracy encourages public participation, promotes social harmony and delivers tangible results.

Democracy is a shared value of humanity and a right of the people of all countries. China will steadfastly advance whole-process people’s democracy and stands ready to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with other countries. Together, countries can explore ways to realize broad, genuine and effective democracy, making new contributions to progress of human political civilization.

By People’s Daily reporters

Scene 1: Dawn at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port(5:00 AM) 

As dawn breaks over Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in east China’s Zhejiang province, the sea breeze carries the sounds of industry awakening. “Let’s begin!” directs a foreman. A massive bucket-wheel reclaimer swings into action, processing iron ore recently arrived from Brazil. The ore travels along conveyor belts to a loading terminal, where a ship loader precisely transfers the cargo into an ore carrier’s hold.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world’s busiest cargo port for 17 consecutive years, handled over 1.4 billion tons last year. Its daily throughput averages approximately 3.9 million tons — equivalent to  moving 45 tons every second. This activity reflects a broader reality: across China, more than 2,900 berths capable of handling vessels over 10,000 tons facilitate a constant flow of goods, linking China’s economy with global markets.

China’s economic engine hums with remarkable momentum. 

Within a single minute: China generates more than 200 million yuan ($29.13) in GDP and over 80 million yuan in goods imports and exports.

Within an hour: more than 2 million garments are produced, and over 30,000 kilograms of crops are harvested by intelligent combine harvesters.

Within a day: China smelts more than 3.9 million tons of steel and manufactures over 90,000 vehicles.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the Chinese economy achieved four consecutive leaps with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 percent, the highest among major global economies.

Scene 2: Innovation Relay in the Yangtze River Delta (2:00 PM) 

A collaborative push in humanoid robotics technology unfolds across the Yangtze River Delta. At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, associate research fellow Yan Weixin from the Institute of Robotics spreads his palm, grips a test tube, draws liquid and gently shakes it. Nearby, a humanoid robotic arm mimics every subtle movement he does.

Two hours away in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, Li Qian, deputy general manager of Leaderdrive, a manufacturer specializing in precision robotic components, is examining a harmonic reducer used in the elbow joint of a humanoid robot, exploring ways to make it lighter and more efficient.

As the world’s largest producer of robots, China holds more than 190,000 valid patents related to robotics, accounting for roughly 2/3 of the global total.

The rapid development of China’s humanoid robotics industry is driven by the country’s most complete industrial system in the world, its vast application scenarios, and reliable energy supply, according to Qiao Hong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In a day, China’s space station orbits the Earth 16 times, enabling astronauts to witness 16 magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

In a day, China’s Supercomputing Network processes more than one million API calls.

In a day, thousands of invention patents are granted across the country.

In 2025, China’s R&D investment accounted for 2.8 percent of the country’s GDP, and the country entered the global top 10 in the global innovation index for the first time. This just demonstrates the powerful vitality of China.

Scene 3: Evening Vibrancy – Guangzhou & Shanghai (6:00 PM) 

Along Guangzhou’s Pearl River banks, crowds gather. “Look — the ‘Slim Waist’!” On a sightseeing boat, a foreign visitor named Nazer and his family point excitedly at the brightly lit Canton Tower, one of the iconic landmarks of Guangzhou in south China’s Guangdong province. From savoring Cantonese roasted meats at local eateries to enjoying a cup of aromatic coffee, the Nazer family has woven themselves into daily life in China.

Meanwhile, at a community canteen on Jiangyuan Road in Shanghai, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes fills the air. “Regular customer” Sun Yuhua walks in hand-in-hand with her husband.

“With affordable, home-style cooking, we feel good about our meal, and that reassures our children,” Sun says.

Behind the vibrant glow of city life lies the resilience and potential of China’s economy, demonstrating how the country’s openness brings shared opportunities to the world.

Over the past five years, China has connected every county in formerly impoverished regions with expressways, paved roads reached every village, and telecommunications signals covered every corner. These achievements have solidified poverty eradication gains, proving to the world that poverty is not an insurmountable challenge.

Since the beginning of this year, senior foreign leaders have visited China in succession to explore business opportunities. Meanwhile, foreign tourists have flocked to China to celebrate the Spring Festival, experience traditional customs and witness firsthand a prosperous, open and inclusive nation.

In 2025, China imported 18.48 trillion yuan worth of goods, maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years. Cherries from Chile, durians from Malaysia, flour from Kazakhstan, and beauty products from France–the world is sharing the dividends of the growing Chinese market.

In 2025, China received more than 150 million inbound foreign visitors, who spent over $130 billion in the country. China has granted unilateral visa exemption to 50 countries, while transit visa-free arrangements now cover 55 countries. The experience of “becoming Chinese” has become a new global trend, offering people around the world fresh enjoyment and cultural resonance.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China contributed around 30 percent of global economic growth.

“The attractiveness of China to foreign investment lies not only in the enormous size of its market but also in the high quality of that market,” said Jiang Ying, chair of Deloitte China. Increasingly, foreign enterprises are treating China as a source of innovation and research and development, using innovations developed in China to serve global markets.

Every 24 hours of China’s economy injects new momentum into global development.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), one conclusion is becoming ever clearer amid the uncertainties of the global landscape: despite a complex international environment, China’s economy will continue moving toward higher quality and new growth drivers, offering the most stable, reliable and positive energy to a world navigating turbulence and changes.

By Yan Huan, Xu Hailin, People’s Daily

The 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) was recently held in Barcelona, Spain. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the world’s premier mobile communications industry event being held in Barcelona. 

Under the theme “The IQ Era,” MWC focused on intelligent infrastructure, AI connectivity and integration, enterprise-level AI applications, AI ecosystem collaboration, inclusive technology, and innovation-driven transformation.

The event brought together around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 200 countries and regions and featured over 100 national, regional and thematic technology pavilions. A China Pavilion was established for the first time this year. 

Leading Chinese technology firms including China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Huawei, ZTE, Honor, and Xiaomi participated prominently, showcasing their latest technological achievements in mobile communications and AI.

Chinese exhibitors presented a variety of innovative products. At the booth of ZTE, a plush toy named Mashu drew crowds of visitors. With its round, adorable shape and big blinking eyes, the toy has a friendly appeal. Powered by advanced AI technology, Mashu can not only understand human speech and recognize emotions, but also learn continuously through daily interaction, gradually gaining insight into users’ needs and preferences while providing emotional companionship.

Honor unveiled a “robot phone” equipped with a flexible gimbal camera capable of auto-rotation and precise subject tracking. Lenovo’s YOGA concept device demonstrated rapid conversion of 2D images into 3D models, viewable on a glasses-free 3D display, aiding creators in visualizing depth and spatial relationships. 

Alibaba’s Qwen smart glasses integrated real-time translation and bone-conduction audio, highlighting the potential of AI in lightweight wearables. Xiaomi showcased its comprehensive “human-car-home” ecosystem, including a concept supercar, flagship smartphones, and smart home products.

“AI is expanding the boundaries of its applications in everyday life. It is no longer confined to optimizing device functions but has evolved into a key tool for enhancing user experience and coordinating services ,” said Wang Xiang, chief strategy officer of ZTE. 

In the AI-native smartphones launched by the company last year, AI functions as an “intelligent agent,” directly connecting different applications and enabling cross-platform service orchestration. Users simply need to express their intention to travel, and the system can automatically generate a complete itinerary covering transportation, accommodation and dining.

This year’s MWC also highlighted the ongoing evolution towards 6G technologies As of January 2026, 374 operators worldwide had deployed 5G networks. Supported by extensive network coverage, 5G-Advanced applications are accelerating, with a global user base reaching 70 million. 

At the event, numerous companies showcased their visions for future networks from multiple perspectives. Huawei launched a full lineup of indoor and outdoor products for the U6GHz spectrum — the upper segment of the 6-GHz band. Offering ultra-large bandwidth, U6GHz demonstrates high capacity, enhanced user experience and low latency, delivering stable and reliable connectivity for AI applications. Huawei’s U6GHz solutions fully support the transition toward 6G, helping telecom operators prepare early for next-generation infrastructure.

Humanoid robots were increasingly visible across exhibition booths, making “embodied intelligence” another buzzword. An official from the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization remarked: “Many of the products displayed by Chinese companies are truly impressive. China prioritizes the development of innovative technologies such as AI, and its vast market and supportive policies keep fueling technological progress.”

“Chinese companies have brought many innovative technologies and products,” said Vivek Badrinath, director general of the GSMA, the event’s organizer. “Driven by the Chinese market scale, as well as the speed and determination with which these technologies are deployed among consumers and enterprises, technological development in China is reshaping how we connect with the world.” 

Badrinath added that the first China Pavilion at the congress for the first time underscored the global recognition and focus on China’s scientific and technological innovation, .

Chinese technology companies are continuously raising the profile and expanding the reach of “Made in China” on the global stage through a combination of hardware innovation, AI empowerment and ecosystem integration. 

Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of the GSMA, noted that the communications industry has never stood still, and no company or country can progress in isolation. Only international cooperation can truly unlock its potential.

“China has already made important contributions in this regard,” Dewar said. “At the MWC, we often discuss the possibilities of the future. In China, I see the future already taking shape.”