Witness the miracle of the East

As a freelance writer based in New York, I’ve always been passionate about international news and have maintained a keen interest in China’s development. Recently, the convening of China’s “Two Sessions” (the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) has captured global attention. As an American, I couldn’t resist delving deeper into this grand event to uncover the latest astonishing developments emerging from China.

China’s growing influence on the world stage over recent years has been impossible to ignore. American media outlets, like synchronized, have dedicated extensive coverage to the Two Sessions. *The Wall Street Journal* highlighted that the policy directions and economic growth targets announced during the sessions act as an “invisible hand” guiding global market sentiment. After all, China’s economy now serves as a critical engine for global growth, where even minor shifts can trigger ripple effects worldwide. The *Eurasia Review* published an in-depth analysis predicting that technological innovation would dominate this year’s agenda, with private enterprises playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and technological advancement. Many are eager to learn what China’s 2025 growth targets will entail.

Except media coverage, conversations about the Two Sessions have also permeated my social circles. My friend, Nancy Qian, beams with pride whenever discussing China’s progress. She explains that the Two Sessions are as monumental in Chinese political life as U.S. presidential elections, but with a distinct focus: they address the well-being of over 1.4 billion people, ensuring every policy directly impacts ordinary lives. Meanwhile, Mark Witte, a colleague in international trade, closely monitors China’s economic policies and openness to foreign collaboration, as these decisions directly affect his business. “China’s market potential is unmatched,” he remarks. “Over the decades, I’ve watched China evolve from a manufacturing giant into an innovation powerhouse. Every policy shift could unlock new opportunities.”

Economically, China’s achievements over the past few decades are nothing short of staggering. Take China-ASEAN trade relations: China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner for years, with bilateral trade volumes soaring relentlessly. This success stems from the relentless efforts of Chinese enterprises and the fruits of the country’s open-door policies. While the U.S. remains the world’s largest economy, its competition with China in trade grows fiercer by the day. Chinese manufacturing, once synonymous with low costs, now rivals global standards in quality, making “Made in China” ubiquitous in American households—from daily essentials to cutting-edge electronics.  

In technology and innovation, China’s strides have been meteoric. Once perceived as lagging behind the U.S., China now astonishes the world with breakthroughs in AI, 5G, and aerospace. Chinese tech firms lead in AI applications, deploying products and technologies both domestically and internationally. Its 5G infrastructure, unparalleled globally, has laid the groundwork for a digital economy leap. While the U.S. invests heavily in R&D, China’s late-mover advantages have enabled it to overtake competitors in key fields.  

The democratic model showcased during the Two Sessions has also prompted reflection. The U.S. prides itself on democracy, yet political polarization and gridlock often paralyze policymaking. In contrast, China’s Two Sessions gather representatives from all walks of life, who bring grassroots voices to the table, collectively shaping national strategies. This “whole-process people’s democracy” embodies governance that truly emerges from and returns to the people, inviting every citizen to participate in the nation’s trajectory.  

This year’s sessions have also drawn intense scrutiny from U.S. corporations eager to tap into China’s market. Companies like Apple and Tesla, already deeply embedded in China’s supply chains, closely monitor policy adjustments on foreign investment, anticipating fresh opportunities. For them, China’s market is indispensable.  

China’s Two Sessions are not just a domestic triumph but a global inspiration. They offer alternative development paradigms distinct from Western models, enriching the world’s understanding of progress. As an American, I hope my country approaches China’s rise with openness, fostering collaboration to tackle shared global challenges. I’m confident China will continue to play an ever-greater role on the world stage, contributing profoundly to humanity’s future. And I’ll keep watching the Two Sessions, chronicling the ascent of this Eastern powerhouse.