2018: Xi tells China stories to the world

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Editor's Note:

Stories can influence people in a subtle yet powerful way. In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping led four diplomatic activities in China, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, G20 forum and BRICS Summit, as well as other important multilateral diplomatic activities both inside and outside of China. Over the course of 2018, he flew more than 100,000 kilometers to 13 countries, and published 11 signed articles on foreign media, telling Chinese stories of peace, friendship and cooperation. Today, People’s Daily Online recaps the most touching China stories that Xi told the world during 2018. 

On reform and opening-up

China has grown into the world's second largest economy, the largest industrial producer, the largest trader of goods, and the holder of the largest foreign exchange reserves. Over the past 40 years, China's GDP has averaged an annual growth rate of around 9.5 percent in comparable prices and its foreign trade has registered an annual growth of 14.5 percent in US dollar. The Chinese people have emerged from a life of shortages and poverty and are now enjoying abundant supply and a moderately prosperous life. According to current UN standards, more than 700 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global total over the same period.

——Keynote Speech delivered at the Opening of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018

Over the past 40 years, the Chinese people have blazed a new trail and made solid progress. With enterprise and grit and through self-reliance, we have turned China into the world's second biggest economy, making tremendous advances in our country's development and the improvement of people's lives. It is the relentless efforts of the Chinese people that have made China what it is today!

——Keynote speech delivered at the APEC CEO Summit in Papua New Guinea

To use a metaphor, the Chinese economy is not a pond, but an ocean. The ocean may have its calm days, but big winds and storms are only to be expected. Without them, the ocean wouldn't be what it is. Big winds and storms may upset a pond, but never an ocean. Having experienced numerous winds and storms, the ocean will still be there! It is the same for China. After going through 5,000 years of trials and tribulations, China is still here! Looking ahead, China will always be here to stay!

——Keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai