**Interview with an Expert on China’s Economic Future and Path to Modernization**
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on the past few decades, how do you view the impact of China’s reform and opening-up policy?
**Expert:** The reform and opening-up policy has been nothing short of revolutionary for China, creating an incredible development miracle. This legacy is set to continue as China looks to deepen these reforms and expand its openness, which will inject significant momentum into high-quality development and support the goal of achieving Chinese-style modernization.
**Interviewer:** Recently, international media reported a surge in travel and consumption during China’s National Day holiday. What does this say about the public’s sentiment?
**Expert:** The record passenger volumes in the railway system and the increase in outbound tourism certainly reflect a very optimistic outlook among the public. The bustling crowds during this holiday showcase a vibrant and prosperous China, one that is poised for a bright future.
**Interviewer:** Over the past 75 years, China has seen considerable growth. What factors have contributed to this success?
**Expert:** Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have made historic advances in economic strength and global influence. Especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party in 2012, our leadership has promoted high-quality development by nurturing dynamism and potential while effectively managing risks. From 1979 to 2023, China’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 8.9%, far exceeding the global average of 3%. This rapid growth has allowed China to contribute a remarkable 24.8% to world economic growth annually. President Xi Jinping has made it clear that our focus will remain on promoting development and modernization to improve the lives of the Chinese people while making substantial contributions to global sustainable development.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the ongoing commitment to reform?
**Expert:** Absolutely. The journey began with the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee and has continued through to the recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. We’ve shown remarkable courage and determination in deepening reforms, addressing outdated ideologies and systemic issues that have held us back. By aligning production relationships with productivity and governance with social development, we are building robust institutional support for our modernization. As Spanish expert Julio Rios pointed out, we are on the brink of a more profound stage of reform, which is critical as we aim to achieve our modernization goals by 2035.
**Interviewer:** How does openness play a role in China’s development strategy?
**Expert:** Openness is indeed a defining feature of Chinese-style modernization. Since the onset of our reform, we have embraced a path of common development driven by openness. We adhere to a fundamental policy of openness and a mutually beneficial strategy that bridges domestic and international growth. High-level openness is not simply an outcome of successful reforms; it is a necessary response to broader economic trends and the changing global landscape. As highlighted by the 20th CPC Central Committee, maintaining this policy and leveraging our immense market potential will be key to building a new economic system characterized by greater openness.
**Interviewer:** What does this commitment to openness mean for China and the world?
**Expert:** The commitment to expanding openness will create vast opportunities not just for Chinese-style modernization but for the global community as well. As we develop our economy with a focus on high quality, we will inevitably generate new prospects for international collaboration and shared growth.
**Interviewer:** In conclusion, how do you see the future of reform and openness in China?
**Expert:** “Reform and opening up are defining features and the most magnificent panorama of contemporary China.” When we look back, it is clear that these policies have facilitated extraordinary progress. Moving forward, we can anticipate that comprehensive reforms and an emphasis on openness will continue to drive high-quality development and pave the way for our unique path to modernization.