Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In early March, China successfully held its annual "Two Sessions" – the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). These sessions are landmark events in the country’s political life, serving as a barometer of state policy and a reflection of public opinion.

Representatives from various regions and industries transform the aspirations of the people into concrete governance measures through their proposals. From strategic planning in domestic and foreign policy to decisions affecting public welfare, the "Two Sessions" provide important guidelines for China's future development while offering the world a window into understanding the country.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to highlight the key outcomes of this year’s "Two Sessions" and outline the prospects for expanding cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.

China’s Stable Economic Development as a Driver of Global Economic Recovery

In 2024, China’s economy maintained stability and demonstrated strong resilience. The country’s GDP exceeded 134 trillion yuan (approximately USD 18.94 trillion), with a growth rate of 5 percent. China’s contribution to global economic growth reached 30 percent, and its manufacturing output remained the world's largest for the 15th consecutive year. China continues to be a major driving force in the global economy.

China’s economic development is characterized not only by rapid growth but also by high quality. New industries are developing rapidly, the deep integration of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries is progressing, and more innovations are emerging in cutting-edge fields. The wind and solar energy sectors, along with green energy vehicle production, have taken leading positions worldwide. Robots joyfully performed on stage during China’s New Year gala, entertaining the nation and creating a festive atmosphere.

The emerging "low-altitude economy," represented by unmanned aerial vehicles, is rapidly developing and becoming a new driver of industrial modernization. The open-model-based artificial intelligence "Deepseek" has achieved global leadership, generating widespread resonance.

These examples vividly illustrate China’s innovative development.

2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and a critical period for initiating the 15th Five-Year Plan. China aims for an economic growth rate of around 5 percent, continuing its policy of striving for progress while maintaining stability. The government will implement active macroeconomic measures aimed at expanding domestic demand and developing high-tech industries.

Moreover, China will deepen comprehensive reforms, mitigate risks in key areas, create a more optimized business environment, and promote high-level openness with increased confidence.

If the first phase of the "Chinese miracle" was marked by "unprecedented high growth rates," then the second phase "promises to be even more remarkable in its demonstration of high-quality development."

China Adheres to Its Foreign Policy Principles, Remaining a Force for Peace, Stability, and Progress Worldwide

During a press conference at the "Two Sessions," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions from journalists on key international topics, including relations between major powers, the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and other global and regional issues. He elaborated on China’s foreign policy course, emphasizing that Chinese diplomacy consistently stands for international justice, firmly opposes hegemony, and actively promotes the formation of a just and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.

A just and orderly multipolar world requires adherence to the principle of equality among all nations, both large and small, strict compliance with the UN Charter, commitment to fundamental norms of international relations, and the practical implementation of genuine multilateralism.

No individual country should monopolize international affairs, and no nation should be "at the table" while others remain "on the menu." Conflict has no winners, and peace should leave no losers. The negotiating table marks the end of conflict and the beginning of peace.

Inclusive economic globalization means respecting the needs of all countries, especially developing ones, and following development paths aligned with national realities, without external imposition. China firmly opposes all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. "Small yards and high walls cannot restrain the overall trend of development, and breaking ties and supply chains will ultimately lead to self-isolation."

Recently, certain countries imposed additional tariffs on China under the pretext of combating fentanyl. In reality, China has one of the strictest drug production controls in the world. The U.S. claim is absurd. The use of tariff threats and pressure is a typical example of unilateralism and hegemony, blatantly violating WTO rules. Such actions not only undermine normal trade and economic relations between states but also destabilize global production and supply chains, hinder global economic development, and harm the interests of citizens and businesses. Trade wars and tariff confrontations have no winners. China advocates resolving disputes through dialogue based on equality and mutual respect and is prepared to take necessary measures to protect its interests.

Strengthening China-Uzbekistan Friendship and Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

For China, Uzbekistan is a good neighbor and reliable partner. The development of bilateral relations has withstood the test of time and is not influenced by external factors. Last year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a successful state visit to China. The leaders of both countries agreed to elevate China-Uzbekistan relations to the level of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era and to promote the formation of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future from a higher starting point. China and Uzbekistan consistently follow development paths that align with their national conditions, firmly support each other on key issues, and closely cooperate within the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the China-Central Asia format, and other platforms. Both countries jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, promote universal human values, and actively contribute to maintaining stability and development in the region and the world.

Under the strategic leadership of our nations' leaders, China and Uzbekistan maintain active contacts at all levels, have established various cooperation mechanisms, and continue to achieve new results in mutually beneficial partnerships across different sectors. China remains Uzbekistan’s largest trade and investment partner. In addition to traditional areas such as trade, investment, industry, energy, and infrastructure, the two countries are actively expanding cooperation in green economy, digital economy, and scientific and technological innovation, while strengthening ties in culture, education, tourism, and regional cooperation.

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project has officially begun, a mutual visa-free agreement has been signed, and new projects are being implemented, all of which will further enhance bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

This year, the leaders of China and Uzbekistan will continue to maintain close contacts. China will host the SCO Summit and is preparing to hold more than a hundred events. As the presiding country, China emphasizes "action" and is ready to work with Uzbekistan to further develop the SCO. Additionally, as of January this year, Uzbekistan has officially become a BRICS partner. China supports Uzbekistan’s active participation in BRICS and is prepared to work with Uzbekistan to safeguard the common interests of the Global South.

China and Uzbekistan are on the path of modernization and development. China is ready to fully implement the agreements reached between the two heads of state, expand cooperation, share development opportunities, and strengthen people-to-people ties. May our cooperation bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries, serve as a model for building a community with a shared future, and contribute to a world where all nations and peoples share a common destiny.

Yu Jun,

 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan