A view of Shanghai Photo: VCG
China's 15th Five-Year Plan will begin in 2026. Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for making sound plans for the country's economic and social development in the 2026-2030 period, stressing "managing our own affairs well" and ensuring both development and security. In planning economic and social development for the next five years, it is necessary to adapt to changing situations and grasp strategic priorities, said Xi.
We can anticipate that China will maintain its commitment to long-term thinking, ensuring, among other things, that high-quality development is fundamental to all decisions. Highlighting the roles of technological innovation and the real economy, President Xi urged efforts to transform and upgrade traditional industries, develop emerging industries, and make forward-thinking arrangements for industries of the future, so as to accelerate modernization of the industrial system.
In effect, goals are set. Overarching everything is the requirement that the overall well-being of the Chinese people is central to every action. The following words, uttered by President Xi in 2013, are as relevant now as they were then: "The Chinese Dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation means that we will make China prosperous and strong, rejuvenate the nation, and bring happiness to the Chinese people."
Challenges from various corners of the world are definitely going to test how often China's warning about adapting to situations will have to be heeded. At minimum, if the US distances itself from draconian and reckless tariff policies, then the domestic and global economic picture will be much clearer. Unfortunately, the unpredictable behavior of US political elites appears likely to fuel further chaos in the months ahead.
The sober and scientific way China is approaching its 15th Five-Year Plan stands in stark contrast to the volatility often seen in US policymaking. Granted, if a change in the presidency also brings about a change in which political party is in charge, then there will be policy shifts. However, government is not effective when its practices resemble a game of pinball. Once that ball races up the board, it becomes nearly impossible to predict where it might go next. Yes, people look on excitedly as bells go off, as lights light up and as scores increase. But one wrong move and the "tilt" sign illuminates, signaling that the ball is heading out of play.
Knowing that shortcoming, more and more Americans are beginning to acknowledge a difficult truth: They would like their country to be liked and respected across the globe, but they realize US influence is slipping. In a related note, some of America's longest standing allies are now places where distaste for the US is the most vocal.
As for China, you can look across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and find ratings that are more favorable. Comparing favorability data between one poll and another does not tell the complete story; of course, different types of questions can be asked and events taking place at different times of the year can alter results. However, other nations and their citizens understand that China's emphasis on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and win-win cooperation is essential to how China positions itself on the global stage.
Whether because of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), bilateral meetings, regional cooperation or something else, the people in those parts of the world mentioned above want more interaction with China. In a 2024 interview with the Global Times about Chinese investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, Nicaragua's Ambassador to China said, "Latin American and Caribbean countries are welcoming Chinese investors with arms wide open. And the BRI is having a very, very important impact in our own development, in meeting our own priorities and needs which in the end will not only help Latin America and the Caribbean, but also will help the relationship between China and the region."
China is poised to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan - and it should do so with confidence.
The author is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Robert Morris University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn