by Puy Kea
President of Club of Cambodian Journalist, Cambodia
From the eyes of foreign observations afar, China is still a stricted communist country with restricted freedom of expression, freedom of traveling, and freedom of what Chinese want at most, but reality is not what is thought.
Since late late year, I have traveled to China four times. Every time, I had learned something new and the freedoms as mentioned above were not those bad.
China, however, at one point still a land of communication discomfort for foreigners who want to connect to their homes or love ones through internet, TikTok, telegram and Gmail.
Despite that disturbed international communication, foreigners are much fond of foods, arts, culture and nature together with convenient transportations across the country.
China today is different from what many foreigners had thought of, particularly, when we look at China’s economy–it is rapidly evolving with social landscape, and it continues to captivate global attention.
Being the world’s second-largest economy and one of the two major geopolitical players, recent developments in China offer fresh insights into its future trajectory.
These developments are seen almost at every corner in China, especially the infrastructures, the well-connected roads, water ways, air links, and rail lines with the high speed trains across the nation.
China’s giant project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that was launched in 2013, is a massive infrastructure project aimed at enhancing global trade routes and fostering economic cooperation between China and participating countries.
The initiative spans across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond, with investments in infrastructure, energy, and transportation. While the BRI presents significant opportunities for global connectivity, it has also faced scrutiny regarding debt sustainability and geopolitical implications.
China’s economic landscape has been undergoing a significant transformation over recent years. Traditionally, it is known for its export-driven growth model, but China is now shifting towards a more balanced approach with an emphasis on domestic consumption and innovation. This transition is encapsulated in the “Dual Circulation” strategy, which aims to leverage both domestic and international markets to drive growth.
Human resource is being enhanced and armed with massive skills in green technology. The younger generation have greater access to education locally and internationally if that compared to their elders’ ones. Vocational training skills, likewise, are also well provided nationwide with fully equipped facilities.
China’s investments in high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and 5G technology are surprising the world.
The “Made in China 2025” initiative aims to upgrade the country’s manufacturing capabilities, positioning it as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies.
This focus on innovation on its own, has no doubt, but to reduce reliance on foreign technology and drive long-term economic growth.
Despite these positive developments, China is also facing some challenges on an aging population and potential trade tensions with major economies like the United States. Addressing these issues while maintaining economic momentum will be crucial for China’s continued success.
China’s geopolitical landscape with economic power is influencing on many countries across the continents through the Belt and Road Initiative due to tradings, economic needs, and tourism–all of which are reshaping global power dynamics and that even evolves relations with major powers, and the Asia-Pacific region.
But, as the United States aims to maintain its supremacy, the relationship between China and the United States remains a focal point of global geopolitics, and the increased tensions in recent years over trading, technology competition, and strategic military interests–are worrisome.
Despite efforts to manage these tensions through negotiations, underlying issues continue to challenge the bilateral relationship, and these complexities might have profound implications for global stability and economic trends.
Let leave aside that regional and international concern and look at how China does its own homework on the rapid urbanization that has led to the growth of megacities and a significant shift in population distribution and economic powerhouse by driving innovation and consumption.
Ongoing constructions are widely spreading and expanding elsewhere in this country, no matter in the suburban areas, but down to districts and even villages.
The three rivers in Chingqing including the Yangze river where are crossed by more than 20,000 bridges and the surrounding buildings with arts and light, gives this city unique, showcasing as one of the many iconic beatiful landscaps in China.
Foreign tourists, meanwhile, will bring back homes with memories of what they have seen: the transportation hub, the technology, the film studio, traditional wine distilery, the night lights, the panda, and the Chongqing rail transit line 2, etc.
China’s cultural landscape is also evolving as traditional values intersect with modern influences. The younger generation is increasingly exposed to global trends through digital media, which is driving changes in lifestyle, consumption patterns, and social norms. This cultural shift is also reflected in the growing importance of individual expression and a more open attitude towards diverse cultures and lifestyles.
From the foreign eyes, China is doing great job despite the fact that there might be challenges or restraints among Chinese themselves, the common problems elsewhere on earth.
And while the world is alarmed by global warming and the climate change, China’s environmental policies and sustainability efforts are critical in addressing these challenges and ensuring long-term ecological health.
The Belt and Road Journalists Forum being held in Chongqing from August 26 through September 1, some 100 foreign journalists from 52 countries are experiencing lots of China’s transformative landscape including the significant strides in transitioning to green energy and green environment, of which Chongqing is covered by 55 percent of forests.
China’s massive EV automobiles industry is, an example, to help contribute to its friendly environment policies although it is the business.
China is regarded as the world’s largest producer and consumer of renewable energy, with major investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. China has committed to achieving peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. These goals are driving investments in clean technologies and fostering innovation in energy efficiency.
China’s participation in international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and its efforts to promote global environmental governance reflect a commitment to addressing global ecological challenges.
Despite the progress, some are fearing that challenges remain in enforcing regulations and managing industrial pollution.
Now, look at the country’s bigger picture on the country’s economic transformation, geopolitical strategies, societal changes, and environmental efforts that reflect dynamic and multifaceted landscape and that offer valuable insights into its evolving role on the global stage.
China continues to navigate these changes, its future trajectory will have significant implications for global economics, politics, and environmental sustainability.
The fresh insights as what mentioned will be a crucial perspective on how China is shaping the 21st century through its dynamism that gives strong hopes for Chinese people and her nation’s pride.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.