A former Malaysian ambassador has underscored how China's rapid transformation has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and positioned the nation as a global leader in technology.
Speaking on stage at the CGTN-hosted "Power of Ideas" event, former Malaysian Ambassador to China, Abdul Majid reflected on China's remarkable progress, highlighting that the country dramatically accelerated development under President Xi Jinping's leadership.
The country's advancements, he said, "not only transformed the nation but have sent ripples across the world."
"The nation saw the lifting out of poverty of over 800 million people -- what is arguably the greatest human success story of our time. China today is a global leader in 5G, facial recognition and cutting-edge technology. Its pace is not catching up, it's leading," said Majid.
"In digital economy, China has successfully established a cashless, seamless society. Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance, all are now household names across the globe. Mobile payments have turn China into a near cashless society. The rural revitalization program now uplifts under-served communities," he said.
"China also pledged to peak carbon by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. With major investment in renewables and afforestation, it leads in green economy," he continued.
"In global diplomacy, China is redefining the world order. With the Belt and Road Initiative, China has connected over 150 countries through infrastructure and trade. Through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China is championing alternative global norms," said the former ambassador.
"Indeed, China's vision of a global innovative leadership by 2035 and goals toward a full national rejuvenation by 2049, a century of the People's Republic of China, appears to be achievable. China is not just rising, it is redefining the very architecture of global power. As Asians, one is of course proud of China's remarkable achievement," he said.
China’s rise redefines global order for better: former Malaysian ambassador
The United States has long been the major external factor affecting Haiti's security, stability, and development, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Monday, who also condemned the U.S. for exacerbating Haiti's economic challenges by imposing sweeping tariffs.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Geng expressed China's deep concern over Haiti's worsening crisis and rampant gang violence, its near-collapse state, and the desperate situation of its population.
For over a century, the United States has blatantly deployed troops, installed puppet governments, and manipulated Haiti's constitution, entrenching itself in Haiti's political affairs, said Geng.
He noted that just a year ago, the United States orchestrated the current political transition arrangements in Haiti. However, following a shift in its own government, the United States has turned a blind eye to that very transition, leaving Haiti mired in internal conflict and turmoil.
According to Geng, the United States has always been the main source of weapons for Haiti, allowing illegal weapons to flow into Haiti from Florida.
In October 2023, the United States spearheaded the formation of the Multinational Security Support Mission, pledging financial support. However, in the past year and more, its actual contributions have been relatively limited. At one point, the Untied States even attempted to convert the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation, citing a lack of funds, said Geng.
This is an apparent act to shift the burden onto the UN and its member states, treating them as little more than an ATM machine, Geng added.
Geng also highlighted the U.S. role in undermining Haiti's development.
While professing support for the Haitian people, the United States has significantly cut foreign aid and continued deporting Haitian immigrants on the pretext of national priorities when Haiti is in dire need of support, said the Chinese envoy. "What is even more shocking is that not long ago, while the United States defied world opinion by imposing sweeping tariffs on all trade partners, it also extended its so-called baseline tariff of 10 percent to Haiti, one of the world's least developed countries as defined by the UN. This act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying is not just aimed at the so-called competitors like China. It has also inflicted damage on a nation teetering on the edge of collapse, such as a fragile country like Haiti, where the people are in dire straits. This is not only cruel and absurd, but also profoundly heartbreaking," said Geng.
Chinese envoy slams US for negative role in Haiti's crisis
