Global experts hail Xi's people-centered message

President Xi Jinping's New Year message on Wednesday has presented a clear picture of China's governance philosophy: putting people first while pursuing sustainable, high-quality development, which offers a model for development and governance that is increasingly appealing to today's world, global experts said.

Keith Bennett, cofounder of the Friends of Socialist China platform, told China Daily that the message reflects how socialism, with a strong Communist Party at its core, is rising again and assuming an enhanced role in the world, both in terms of achievement and attraction.

He said that the Chinese people's cultural self-confidence is reflected in developments ranging from humanoid robots performing kung fu kicks, to the resurgence of traditional Chinese culture, and even the grassroots football leagues in Guizhou. These examples, he said, "show how life for the masses of the Chinese people is becoming more dignified and joyful as well as the growing attraction of Chinese civilization, culture and 'soft power' for people throughout the world".

Ronnie Lins, executive director of the Brazil-China Research and Business Center, told CGTN that Xi's message was compelling because it connected national goals with people's everyday life.

"Xi said, 'No issue of the people is too small; we care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people's well-being', detailing Chinese modernization and common prosperity into concrete and feasible measures to improve people's lives," Lins said.

Building on its people-centered governance at home, China is also extending that philosophy to the global stage. Experts said it highlighted China's commitment to shouldering responsibilities and working with the international community to address shared challenges.

"The world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, and some regions are still engulfed in war. China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said in the message.

Zheng Xiaofeng, secretary-general of the Canadian Chinese Entrepreneurs Council, said this sent an important signal about China's policy direction, showing that decision-makers have a clear-eyed understanding of current realities. Rather than promising "easy growth", the message emphasizes resilience and patience during global uncertainties.

Zheng welcomed the concrete and practical references in the speech to expanding opening-up. He said this points to a stronger emphasis on policy predictability, rules-based cooperation and mutual benefit.

Xi's message highlighted the Global Governance Initiative, a vision that experts said demonstrates Beijing's commitment to global cooperation.

Adhere Cavince, an international relations scholar based in Nairobi, Kenya, said the initiative fosters equitable global systems, pledging to work with all nations for peace, development and a shared future for humanity. He said it aligns with expanding opportunities for development cooperation between China and African countries.

Cavince pointed to the upgraded bilateral partnership between China and Kenya as a case in point. "Opportunities abound in agriculture modernization, infrastructure like railways and ports, and green energy, as China aims to share modernization experiences with African counterparts. Across Africa, Chinaled global initiatives promote high-quality growth, with themes of joint modernization," he said. "As Xi's message calls for bold strides, such partnerships could accelerate Africa's agenda, enhancing economic resilience and shared prosperity."