Burkhard Risse Photo: Courtesy of Foreign Languages Press

Editor’s Note:

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has drawn global attention, deliberated over and adopted the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the CPC for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (hereinafter referred to as “the Recommendations”). The fourth plenary session stated that “we must seize the historical initiative to overcome difficulties, combat risks, and confront challenges, focus on managing our own affairs, and write yet another chapter on the miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, opening up new horizons for Chinese modernization.”

The “two miracles” have been created by the Party leading the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in unity and perseverance — following a good blueprint through to the end and advancing one five-year plan after another. The spirit of the fourth plenary session and the Recommendations have outlined a grand blueprint for writing yet another chapter on the “two miracles” in the new era and on the new journey.

In the article “Uphold Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects” in Volume V of the book series Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi Jinping pointed out that “we have advanced reform, opening up, and socialist modernization and have written a new chapter on the miracles of fast economic growth and long-term social stability. China now has more solid material foundations and stronger institutional underpinnings for pursuing development. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historic course.” 

Pressing forward to continue writing a new chapter on the “two miracles” is a grand declaration of the Party’s resolve to seize the historical initiative, advance and open up new horizons for Chinese modernization.

In the 15th installment of the special series "Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," the Global Times (GT), along with the People's Daily Overseas Edition, continues to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience and international readers to discuss the theme of "focusing on managing our own affairs, writing yet another chapter on the miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, and opening up new horizons for Chinese modernization," and deeply explore the important practical significance and value of this concept.

In the 15th article of the "Translators' Voices" column, GT interviewed Burkhard Risse (Risse), member of the translators’ team of the German edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China and recipient of the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award.

GT: As a foreign expert who has long lived and worked in China, you have witnessed the country's economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). As China now moves toward the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, how has China's Five-Year Plan mechanism been able to ensure the country achieves the two great miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability?

Risse: China's Five-Year Plan system has been successful in promoting economic and social development because it sets out consistent, long-term goals for development. This helps reduce policy uncertainty, enabling industries and governments at all levels to act with relatively stable expectations. This long-term perspective facilitates the execution of large-scale infrastructure projects and industrial policies that might be difficult to sustain in other political systems. By establishing clear, quantitative targets, the central government can direct massive investment into key sectors and infrastructure. 

In terms of long-term social stability, the Five-Year Plan system also includes targets for expanding the social safety net, with a strong emphasis on quantifiable objectives for government and Party officials. This helps enhance the measurability and accountability of policy implementation, ensuring that governments at all levels can effectively carry out established goals.

GT: Volume V of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China states that "the leadership of the CPC is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest strength of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics." Communique of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee pointed out that one of the guiding principles for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period is to uphold the Party's overall leadership. How do you view the importance of a governing party with strong institutional guarantees and implementation capacity in achieving the main economic and social development goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan period?

Risse: The leadership of the CPC allows for the creation of clear, nationwide directives, which can prevent fragmented or contradictory efforts. This was seen during the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan at the fourth plenum, which set a strategic direction for the period. Its strong institutional capacity allows for faster and more decisive implementation of policy compared with more fragmented political systems. The state can act quickly to build infrastructure, adjust markets and mobilize aid in response to crises. The system prioritizes long-term stability and continuity of policy, which can be advantageous for complex, multi-decade projects like transitioning to new energy technologies or boosting strategic industries.

GT: Volume V of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China includes a section titled "New Quality Productive Forces for High-Quality Development." The communique of the fourth plenary session also identified "significant achievements in high-quality development" and "substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength" as major objectives for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. In your view, how will high-quality development contribute to advancing Chinese modernization?

Risse: The concept of new quality productive forces involves fostering new, high-tech, eco-friendly industries such as artificial intelligence, 5G, new energy and biotechnology. These are considered key to creating new, high-quality growth points for the economy. By reducing dependence on foreign technology, China is accelerating breakthroughs in core technologies, with the goal of moving from being a technology follower to a pace-setter in key areas. 

In addition, it promotes the green transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, encouraging them to adopt low-carbon and innovative technologies, improve efficiency, and develop in ways that align with high-quality development goals.

The concept advocates for a more efficient, service-oriented government system that is predictable and based on the socialist rule of law. This includes leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve public services and governance efficiency.

GT: From "ensuring that policies aimed at strengthening agriculture, benefiting farmers and achieving rural prosperity deliver greater outcomes" to "moving forward with people-centered new urbanization," and from "working harder to ensure and improve public wellbeing" to "making solid strides toward delivering common prosperity for all," the new Five-Year Plan consistently centers on enhancing the improvement of people's well-being. What development philosophy does this embody? How can the 15th Five-Year Plan pool the strength of the people? 

Risse: The articles in Volume V of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, such as "Prioritize the People's Wellbeing in Chinese Modernization" and "Deliver a Better Life for Each and Every Chinese," reflect China's consistent focus on serving the fundamental interests of the people. 

This philosophy stresses that development should solve the people's most pressing problems, such as improving education, employment, income, social security and healthcare. As President Xi stated, "the people's aspiration for a better life is what we are striving for." This means that everything the Party and government do is intended to improve the well-being and happiness of the public.

The "people-centered" approach signals a move beyond merely focusing on GDP numbers to ensure that development is also fair and sustainable. An enhanced sense of well-being among Chinese people would lead to significant shifts in consumer behavior, social dynamics and the broader economy. Instead of a "growth at all costs" mentality, people and the government would prioritize quality of life issues and sustainable development. 

GT: On October 31, President Xi attended the Session I of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and delivered important remarks, pointing out that China will take the opportunity of the 15th Five-Year Plan to further deepen reform comprehensively and expand high-standard opening up, and create new opportunities for the Asia Pacific and the world through the latest achievements of Chinese modernization. The "High-Standard Opening-Up" section of Volume V of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China also emphasizes that "through our development, we will continue to offer the world new growth momentum and opportunities." How do you view the global significance of China's 15th Five-Year Plan?

Risse: With China's economy continuing to be a major contributor to global growth, its stability will provide a degree of confidence amid global uncertainties. The 15th Five-Year Plan solidifies China's status as a major economic power. China's efforts will push for reforms in the global governance system that better represent developing nations, making it more transparent, efficient and stable. 

Despite increased self-reliance, China's commitment to opening up its services sector and expanding market access is expected to provide opportunities for foreign firms, particularly in advanced sectors like electric vehicles and green technology. 

China aims to offer an alternative development model to countries in the Global South, and it will present its modernization path which emphasizes strategic autonomy, technological empowerment and mutual benefit as a compelling model for other developing nations. Through the Belt and Road Initiative and other multilateral platforms, China will deepen cooperation with the Global South to help these countries integrate into global industrial and supply chains and strengthen their collective voice in global economic affairs.

GT: International observers have emphasized the continuity and stability of China's policies. You have participated in translating multiple volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, do you share this view? Why do some say that China has injected confidence into global development?

Risse: China's development not only has a clear direction but is also effectively implemented. While China has gained more confidence in the Global South, some developed countries perceive China as a rival and remain wary of its unfamiliar political system, even when this system can promote world peace and development. They uphold the procedures of formal － sometimes empty － democracy while ignoring the advantages of the Chinese meritocratic tradition.