Your Excellency Vice Minister Shen Haixiong,
Dear Friends,

I am delighted to join you at the “China in Springtime” global dialogue. Here in Beijing, the fresh spring breeze reflects the vigor of the annual Two Sessions. Alongside over 5,000 National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), I am witnessing this dynamic gathering. As the Two Sessions convene, they offer the world a glimpse into China’s growth and vitality.

Through the window of the Two Sessions, the world feels the strong momentum of China’s high-quality development. Regarded as an economic barometer, the Two Sessions highlight last year’s achievements and outline future blueprints.

In 2024, China’s GDP grew by 5% year-on-year, contributing about 30% to global growth. Breakthroughs such as humanoid robots and DeepSeek have emerged in quick succession, alongside new industries, new business models and new forms of economic activity.

In 2025, high-quality development remains a priority. China will implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies and issue approximately $180 billion in ultra-long-term special treasury bonds. The country will boost consumption, expand domestic demand and nurture future industries. Bio-manufacturing, quantum computing, embodied intelligence and 6G technologies will further grow. Key reforms will accelerate.

With upgraded economic structure, stronger momentum and rising demand, China’s economy will embrace greater prospects. We are confident in achieving around 5% growth in 2025.

Through the window of the Two Sessions, the world recognizes the vitality of whole-process people's democracy. Serving as a bridge, the Two Sessions connect government policies with the will of the people.

The drafting of the Government Work Report is a process of public consultation, incorporating nearly 4,000 opinions from various sectors and over 2 million suggestions from netizens, resulting in concrete measures to benefit the people. 

NPC Deputies and CPPCC members, representing diverse backgrounds from farms to factories, bring community voices to the highest policy forum. People's hopes and needs are turned into well-received policies. 

Over the past year, the National Committee of the CPPCC conducted 85 consultation and deliberation sessions, submitting over 6,000 proposals with a handling rate of 99.9%. From building a fertility-friendly society to enhancing elderly care, pressing public concerns have been addressed. The whole-process people's democracy has proved to be a true source of well-being.

Through the window of the Two Sessions, the world sees vast opportunities from high-level opening-up. When economic globalization faces headwinds and countercurrents, China remains steadfast in expanding institutional, self-initiated and independent opening-up. This is reflected in the 20 key measures outlined in the 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment. 

The Government Work Report emphasizes stabilizing trade, attracting foreign investment, and advancing the orderly opening-up of sectors such as the internet and culture. Pilot programs in telecommunications, healthcare and education will expand, reaffirming China’s commitment to opening-up and global cooperation.

China is now a key trading partner for over 150 countries and regions. Last year, China saw a 9.9 percent increase in newly established foreign-invested companies. In January, investment from the UK, ROK, and the Netherlands surged by 324%, 104%, and 76%, respectively. Instead of a "foreign capital outflow", there is rising confidence in China’s big market as a top priority.

Dear Friends,

It is true that China-U.S. relations face challenges and have once again reached a critical crossroads. The Chinese people are resilient—we have endured many hardships yet remain steadfast, confident, and perseverant.

Maximum pressure, tariff wars or trade wars won’t work. Investment restrictions are futile. Using Taiwan to contain China will only backfire. 

China's development, progress and prosperity are built on the sweat and toil of its people for generations. No one and no force can deny us a better future. 

We hope the U.S. side will reconsider its approach, return to the right path of dialogue and cooperation, and work with China in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Together, let’s strive for a stable, sound and sustainable China-U.S. relationship.

Thank you.

10.Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland and the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society Hold a Networking Event

The Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland, together with the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS), held a networking event on 8 March. Consul General Chen Shijie, President of the NZCFS Auckland Branch Mike Dawson, and other representatives joined the event. 

In his speech, Consul General Chen introduced the key outcomes of New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters' visit to China, and expressed gratitude to the branch for its active contributions to promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and New Zealand and encouraged the members to continue engaging themselves in China-New Zealand cooperation. Chen said that the Consulate-General will work with the branch to carry forward the spirit of Rewi Alley and write a new chapter in China-New Zealand friendship. 

Mike Dawson said that the branch will further leverage its advantages and share the stories of New Zealand-China friendship with various sectors in New Zealand, making greater contributions to deepening the friendship between our two countries.

Members of the Consulate-General and the branch gathered in a warm and friendly atmosphere, chatting with each other and singing a Māori song Te Aroha together.