In recent years, comparisons of economic development levels have often been simplified to comparisons of nominal GDP figures. However, the economy is a vast and complex system, and while GDP serves as a crucial indicator for measuring total economic output, it cannot fully reflect the quality of development and the standard of living. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese economy has transitioned from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's average annual contribution to world economic growth remained around 30%, making it the largest "contributor" and the strongest "anchor of stability" for global economic growth. More importantly, alongside the leap in total output, the intrinsic value and robust quality of China's economic development have continuously improved.
A tangible material foundation underpins this progress. Key physical output indicators that lead the world are the source of China's economic confidence. The foundation of the real economy has become more robust; during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's manufacturing value-added accounted for nearly 30% of the global total, its manufacturing scale is expected to remain the world's largest for the 16th consecutive year, and the output of over 200 major industrial products ranks first globally. The infrastructure network is more comprehensive, featuring the world's largest, most modern, and most operationally diverse high-speed rail network, with a total operating mileage exceeding 50,000 kilometers—more than 70% of the global total—covering 97% of Chinese cities with populations over 500,000. Food security is more assured, with annual grain production consistently exceeding 1.3 trillion jin for 11 consecutive years, and surpassing 1.4 trillion jin in the last two years; the output of rice, wheat, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other staples all ranks first in the world, ensuring that the Chinese people's food supply is firmly in their own hands. Behind these physical indicators lie formidable production capacity and a sophisticated industrial system, which provide strong support for high-quality development.
New drivers of growth are continuously expanding. The ongoing development of new quality productive forces provides a powerful engine for the Chinese economy. Innovation capability has significantly improved, making China the first country to possess over 5 million domestic valid invention patents, with its international patent (PCT) applications leading the world for many consecutive years; among the 2025 global top 100 innovation clusters, China hosts 24, ranking first globally for three consecutive years. Emerging industries are accelerating their growth; in 2025, the value-added of core digital economy industries exceeded 10% of GDP. Talent and innovation vitality are flourishing, with the total talent resources, total sci-tech human resources, and total R&D personnel all ranking first in the world, and over 5 million graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields each year. Facts prove that China's capacity for self-reliance and self-improvement is continuously strengthening, with abundant achievements in independent innovation emerging rapidly, injecting sustained momentum into the nation's economic development.
The "green content" of the economy is consistently rising. China is accelerating ecosystem protection and restoration, and promoting a comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, firmly refusing to "eat the meal of our ancestors while cutting off the path for our descendants." Energy utilization is becoming cleaner, having established the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system; in 2025, the consumption of non-fossil energy sources surpassed that of oil for the first time, the installed capacity of wind and solar power exceeded that of thermal power for the first time, and the share of new energy storage capacity accounted for over 40% of the global total. Afforestation achievements are remarkable; during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, 185 million mu of land was afforested, and the newly increased forest stock volume was equivalent to that of the entire Greater Khingan Range forest area; according to UN data, China contributed approximately half of the global increase in planted forest area over the past decade. China's commitment to climate governance is evident, adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, achieving significant results in implementing its 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions, solemnly announcing a new round of contributions, and becoming a key leader in global climate governance.
The fruits of development are benefiting all people. China consistently adheres to a people-centered development philosophy, continuously enhancing the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security. The quality of life has improved substantially, with the elimination of absolute poverty and regional overall poverty, creating a miracle in the history of poverty reduction; the people's "vegetable basket," "rice bag," and "fruit plate" are more abundant, and nutritional levels have significantly improved. Public services are more inclusive, with the coverage rates of basic medical insurance and basic pension insurance both maintained above 95%, establishing the world's largest social security system; average life expectancy has reached 79 years, and the average years of education for the population aged 16-59 have reached 11.3 years. Social safety is globally leading, with persistent and severe crackdowns on crimes such as drugs and firearms, making China one of the safest countries in the world; recent experiences shared by numerous foreign tourists about walking alone at night or visiting unattended shops in China have garnered admiration from global netizens for its safe and comfortable social environment.
With the successful conclusion of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and the commencement of the "15th Five-Year Plan," China stands at a new historical starting point. It is essential to focus not only on the "quantity" of economic data but also on the "quality" behind the figures, emphasizing the intrinsic value of economic development and promoting comprehensive human development. With goals firmly anchored and efforts unwavering, China will continue striding confidently towards the grand objective of Chinese modernization.
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