China’s recent Two Sessions conference at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People has highlighted the nation’s ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond. Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a powerful message positioning China as a stabilizing force in global affairs while addressing key diplomatic relationships and challenges.
In his remarks, Wang Yi emphasized China’s readiness to engage with a potential second Trump administration while maintaining firm boundaries against containment efforts. He stressed China’s deep connections with the Global South, which now represents over 40% of worldwide GDP, and reaffirmed the strong partnership with Russia, describing it as “mature and resilient.”
On regional matters, Wang Yi addressed the Gaza conflict, supporting Palestinian sovereignty and the Egyptian peace initiative. Regarding the South China Sea, he warned against external interference while emphasizing stability in the region. The minister also reiterated China’s unchanged position on Taiwan’s status as an integral part of China.
Domestically, Premier Li Qiang outlined economic targets, including a 5% growth goal for 2025, following last year’s 4.9% expansion. The government plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds, maintaining a deficit-to-GDP ratio around 4%. The economic strategy includes opening various sectors to foreign investment and
accelerating the Made in China 2025 technology initiative,
encompassing AI, 5G, quantum technology, and 6G development.
The Greater Bay Area received special attention as a crucial growth driver, with plans to further integrate Hong Kong and Macau under the “one country, two systems” model. This comes as Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson recently divested 80% of its global port operations, including Panama Canal facilities, due to geopolitical pressures.
To address domestic challenges, Beijing has committed to creating 12 million new urban jobs, focusing on recent graduates and migrant workers. The government also announced a modest 7.2% increase in military spending, reaching approximately 1.78 trillion yuan.
China’s technological advancement has been remarkable, as evidenced by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Critical Technology Tracker. Between 2019 and 2023, China led in 57 out of 64 critical technologies, compared to just 3 in 2003-2007. This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of the Made in China 2025 initiative, launched in 2015.
The strategic approach aligns with traditional Chinese wisdom, prioritizing comprehensive development across multiple domains rather than military confrontation. This philosophy guides Beijing’s response to international challenges, including potential tensions with a future Trump administration.
Looking ahead, China’s strategy involves expanding partnerships with Global South nations while maintaining steady technological and economic advancement. This approach reflects Xi Jinping’s observation about “changes unseen in a century,” positioning China to navigate global uncertainties while avoiding direct military conflicts.
The Two Sessions have revealed a China focused on domestic development while carefully managing international relationships. Through strategic planning and technological innovation, Beijing aims to strengthen its global position while maintaining stability in an increasingly complex world order. The success of Made in China 2025 and the nation’s growing technological leadership suggest this approach is yielding results, even as new challenges emerge on the international stage.