BY MS. ZHAO XIUZHEN
CONSUL GENERAL OF CHINA IN DAVAO
OCTOBER 1 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a significant milestone in Chinese history. In Chinese culture, every fifth and tenth anniversary holds special importance as opportunities for reflection before moving ahead. Today, I am pleased to share some impactful statistics with the readers of Mindanao Times, illustrating the remarkable transformation of China over the past 75 years. From a nation ravaged by war to now the world’s second-largest economy. Enhancing mutual understanding between China and the Philippines is crucial for fostering cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.
Seventy-five years ago, the majority of China’s population lived in poverty, allocating 80 to 90% of their income towards food. Today, China has successfully eradicated absolute poverty, achieving the goal of constructing a moderately prosperous (Xiaokang) society in all aspects. Over this time span, life expectancy in China has soared from 35 to approximately 77 years, now ranking as the third highest in Asia. Furthermore, the literacy rate has surged to over 95%, thanks to the implementation of a nine-year compulsory education system.
In the past, China’s transportation infrastructure was limited, with only 22,000 kilometers of rail, 81,000 kilometers of paved roads, and a mere 12 civil aviation routes. Fast forward 75 years, China boasts a vast network of 160,000 kilometers of railways, including an impressive 45,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, surpassing the combined total of the rest of the world. Its highway length has surged to over 5 million kilometers, a more than 60-fold increase, and the number of regular flight routes has expanded to over 5,000, a growth of over 400 times. China’s remarkable progress in infrastructure development underscores its commitment to modernization and connectivity on a global scale.
Seventy-five years ago, China’s annual power generation capacity was a mere 4.3 billion kilo-watt-hours (kWh); today, it boasts an annual capacity exceeding 922.41 billion kWh, marking a monumental increase of over 2,000 times.
Back in the day, China’s industrial landscape was limited, with Chairman Mao’s reference to the nation’s capability to produce only basic items like tables, chairs, tea ware, and paper. Fast forward 75 years, China stands as the sole country encompassing all industrial categories outlined in the United Nations Industrial Classification. Moreover, out of over 500 major industrial products worldwide, China leads in the production of more than 220 types.
Seventy-five years ago, China was a nascent player in scientific and technological endeavors. Presently, China has emerged as a pioneering force, marked by the establishment of monumental achievements such as the Beidou navigation system, the Tiangong space station, and the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear power plant. Other noteworthy accomplishments include the retrieval of the moon’s far side sample, the launch of the world’s premier 6G satellite, and the commencement of commercial flights by the C919 aircraft.
Over seven decades ago, China’s economic footprint was minor in the global landscape, with less than a 5% contribution to the world economy and minimal import-export value. Today, China’s economic influence has expanded significantly, comprising nearly 20% of the global economy. The nation’s total import-export value has surged to 5.94 trillion U.S. dollars, retaining its position as the world’s foremost trading powerhouse for seven consecutive years.
Seventy-five years prior, China’s diplomatic ties were limited, a stark contrast to today’s robust engagement with 183 nations. Pivotal diplomatic achievements include hosting major multilateral conferences, mediating the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and facilitated the signing of the Beijing Declaration among various Palestinian factions. China recently hosted the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, heralding a new era of enhanced collaboration between the two regions.
Despite the remarkable advancements made over the past 75 years, China acknowledges its status as a developing nation. Substantial disparities persist in per-capita GDP compared to developed countries, with visible developmental imbalances across various regions. Efforts are ongoing to promote inclusive prosperity and address the remaining challenges to ensure shared prosperity for all.
Recently, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened in Beijing, setting forth the ambitious objective of deepening reforms comprehensively. The goal outlined is for China to establish a high-level socialist market economic system by 2035. Over 300 significant reform initiatives were introduced at the meeting, encompassing various facets of the economy, politics, culture, society, and ecological civilization. By implementing these initiatives, the dividends of reform will continue to unfold, creating more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development between China and other nations.
In my role as the Chinese Consul General in Davao, the collaboration between China and Mindanao is of particular interest to me. Chinese advancements in communication technology and power transmission are already making a positive impact in the Mindanao region. Chinese companies have actively participated in numerous infrastructure projects in Mindanao, bringing forth clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy products. The streets of Davao City are witnessing the emergence of made-in-China electric cars. Concurrently, Mindanao is increasing its export of various agricultural products to China. With China’s ongoing reform initiatives and pursuit of modernization, cooperation between our two sides is poised to expand and strengthen.
The enduring history of friendly exchanges between China and the Philippines dates back centuries. The narrative of the Sultans of Sulu journeying to Beijing during the Ming Dynasty showcases the longstanding amicable relations between the two peoples. In Dezhou, China, the well-preserved tomb of one of the Sultans who tragically passed away en route to Sulu stands as a testament to this historical connection. Descendants of the Sultan who remained in China have seamlessly integrated with the local community, forming a close-knit family. Annually, they gather with their relatives in Sulu, upholding a 600-year-old friendship that is treasured by the people of Dezhou.
Moreover, a significant population of overseas Chinese have settled in Mindanao throughout history, fostering harmonious relationships with the local community and cultivating deep friendships. These individuals have become essential contributors to Mindanao’s economic progress, disaster relief efforts, and various social causes. Their dedication to preserving and enhancing the friendship between China and the Philippines is unwavering.
Currently, cooperation between China and the Mindanao region is flourishing, underscoring the importance of united efforts towards a brighter future that benefits both populations. Let us collectively navigate towards progress, setting aside external distractions, and focus on the mutual prosperity of our peoples.
