BY CHAYATHIP LOJANAKOSIN
Anchor, Economic News / Thai-Chinese Journalists Association (TCJA), Thailand
To truly comprehend China’s evolving role in global governance, one must observe it not merely through economic data, but through the lived experience of its transformation. As an economic news anchor in Thailand with over a decade of reporting experience, my perspective on China is shaped by both professional analysis and deeply personal history. Almost twenty years ago, I lived in Beijing as a student. Back then, in my language classrooms, I frequently practised the phrase “Zhōngguó fāzhǎn hěn kuài” ( 中国发展很快 – China is developing very fast). It was a standard textbook sentence.
Yet, when I returned to Beijing from April 27 to May 11, 2025 — participating in the prestigious media executive program organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) and hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Training Centre—that classroom phrase transformed into a vivid, breathtaking reality. Returning to Beijing after two decades revealed a metropolis where history and hyper-modernity exist in seamless harmony. Every visit to China underscores a relentless trajectory of progress. From digital public infrastructure and AI- driven urban ecosystems to sustainable transit networks, China’s transformation is not merely fast; it is purposeful, visionary, and deeply inspiring.
My connection to China is anchored in bloodlines and living memory. As a Huáqiáo( 華僑 – Overseas Chinese), my understanding of China’s economic miracle is inseparable from my family’s story. Recently, watching the film “Dear You” ( 给阿嬷的情书 ), I was moved to tears as I reflected on my Agong (grandfather) and Ah-ma (grandmother) . Generations ago, our ancestors made the perilous journey from Shantou (Swa-tow in Thai), Guangdong, to establish new roots on Thai soil. Through unimaginable hardships, their unyielding spirit and perseverance allowed them to build a stable life in Thailand while faithfully sending remittances back to support their kin in Shantou.
That indomitable spirit—refusing to yield to adversity—is embedded in the DNA of the Chinese people. When combined with the steadfast vision, strategic continuity, and long‑term planning of the Chinese leadership from the founding era of Chairman Mao Zedong through to the modern leadership, the result is nothing short of a historic economic triumph. In just a few generations—spanning from my grandparents’ struggles to my generation’s prosperity—China has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and reshaped global architecture. As a descendant of that diaspora, witnessing this rise fills me with profound pride and reverence.
In an era defined by geopolitical turbulence and profound global instability, one of the most compelling first impressions of China’s modern international posture is its steadfast commitment to global governance, peace-building, and human welfare. As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, systemic poverty, and widespread food insecurity, China has increasingly positioned itself not merely as an economic powerhouse, but as a stabilizing anchor on the world stage.
This responsibility is reflected in concrete global initiatives rather than rhetoric alone. China’s active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, alongside its diplomatic efforts to mediate regional tensions, underscores a pragmatic approach to international security. Through strategic frameworks such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI), Beijing advocates for a cooperative security paradigm—one that recognizes that true global peace cannot exist without economic stability and equitable development.
Furthermore, China’s dramatic success in eradicating extreme poverty within its own borders offers a tangible blueprint for Global South nations struggling with hunger and inequality. By extending agricultural technology, infrastructure support, and humanitarian aid to vulnerable regions, China addresses the root causes of global distress. In a fragile international landscape, this capacity to bridge development gaps and uphold peace highlights a vision of global governance rooted in shared prosperity and collective security.
My daily role behind the anchor desk, I report on a world fraught with geopolitical friction, economic volatility, and conflict. Against this turbulent backdrop, China’s strategic poise and governance model stand out with remarkable clarity and confidence. China’s leadership demonstrates that national strength is not built on confrontation, but on strategic foresight, domestic human development, and a steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner to all nations—including Thailand.
Through the MOFCOM program, I gained deeper insight into how China translates its domestic policy success into global stewardship. Frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflect a governance philosophy rooted in shared growth. Rather than imposing political conditions, China’s approach prioritizes tangible connectivity— constructing railways, supply chains, and technological bridges across the Global South. For Thailand and Southeast Asia, this cooperative strategy creates mutual prosperity. As a news anchor who daily analyses strategic market moves, I see how China’s economic diplomacy provides a stabilizing anchor for regional development, empowering neighbouring states to thrive collectively.
In an era of algorithmic echo chambers and polarized international narratives, the duty of economic journalism is to offer nuance, truth, and contextual depth. Reporting on China requires moving beyond superficial headlines to understand the structural logic behind its policies. My time in Beijing reinforced the vital role of global media alignment.
Chinese media institutions are pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence and digital platforms while maintaining focus on public service and national development. As journalists across the Global South, our mission is to serve as intellectual bridges— fostering cross‑cultural dialogue, dispelling misperceptions, and highlighting constructive opportunities for global cooperation.
As we convene for the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum under the theme “Convergence and Connectivity · Innovation and Progress · Media Transformation Amid Global Changes,” I am reminded that governance and journalism share a common mandate: to serve the people and foster human progress. Drawing strength from my cultural heritage as a Huáqiáo, my foundational years in Beijing, and my decade of broadcasting experience, I remain deeply committed to shaping a more informed, connected, and prosperous global future.
*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.