By Guo Jun, North American Cultural Media
(Montreal, March 14, 2025) – On March 14, Chinese Consul General in Montreal, Dai Yuming, and Deputy Consul General Wang Hong held a media briefing at the consulate’s conference room. The session provided a detailed introduction to the key aspects of China’s 2025 Two Sessions and an in-depth analysis of Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks during the press conference. Representatives from major Chinese-language media outlets, including The Chinese Times, The Chinese News, North American Cultural Media, and Montreal Express, were invited to attend.
Against the backdrop of profound global transformations, China achieved significant breakthroughs in diplomacy, economy, technology, and international governance in 2024. These accomplishments not only laid a solid foundation for 2025 but also further strengthened international confidence in the Chinese path to modernization. Consul General Dai Yuming conducted a comprehensive analysis of nine key areas, summarizing the achievements of the Chinese government in 2024 while outlining major tasks for 2025.
Nine Key Issues Explained in Depth
- China’s Diplomacy in 2024: Advancing Global Cooperation and Promoting Common Development
Consul General Dai Yuming emphasized that 2024 was a year of profound global adjustments. Amid a complex and evolving international landscape, China remained committed to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, actively contributing to global peace and development.
Achievements in Head-of-State Diplomacy
President Xi Jinping made four significant overseas visits (Europe, Central Asia, BRICS Summit, and Latin America), reinforcing China’s strategic partnerships with key global players and injecting new momentum into global solidarity and cooperation.
China also successfully hosted major diplomatic events, including the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. These events solidified cooperation among Global South nations and contributed to a more just and equitable international order.
Deepening International Cooperation
China played an active role in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN), the Group of Twenty (G20), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), advocating for inclusive global governance and mutual benefits. On pressing global issues such as economic recovery, energy security, and climate change, China proposed pragmatic and effective solutions, contributing to a series of international agreements.
Safeguarding Global Peace and Stability
In response to regional conflicts and global challenges, China consistently advocated for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolutions, firmly opposing unilateralism and power politics while upholding the principles of equality and mutual benefit in international relations. China’s diplomatic efforts not only safeguarded its national interests but also contributed to global peace and stability.
- Accomplishments of China’s Government Work in 2024
Consul General Dai Yuming highlighted that China maintained steady economic growth in 2024, successfully achieving its development goals:
(1) Stable Economic Growth: GDP reached ¥134.9 trillion (approx. $18.8 trillion), growing by 5%, maintaining China’s position as one of the world’s leading economies.
(2) Improved Employment and Living Standards: 12.56 million new urban jobs were created, with an average urban surveyed unemployment rate of 5.1%. Real disposable income per capita increased by 5.1%.
(3) Breakthroughs in Technological Innovation: China achieved significant advances in semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace, with Chang’e-6 completing the first-ever lunar far-side sample return mission.
(4) Green Development Progress: 87.2% of the days in major cities were classified as having good air quality. China’s installed capacity for renewable energy became the world’s largest, contributing to global carbon reduction efforts.
- Key Government Priorities for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the Chinese government will continue to drive high-quality development, deepen reform and opening-up, and ensure sustainable economic and social progress:
(1) Maintain steady economic growth, expand domestic demand, and promote industrial upgrading.
(2) Enhance technological innovation, accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies, and boost global competitiveness.
(3) Optimize the business environment, attract foreign investment, and deepen international trade and economic cooperation.
(4) Advance green development, strengthen environmental protection, and accelerate carbon peaking and carbon neutrality efforts.
- Technological Advancements: Innovation as a Driving Force
In 2024, China’s rapid advancements in science and technology not only bolstered its national strength but also created new opportunities for global technological collaboration:
(1) Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and aerospace technologies.
(2) New energy vehicle (NEV) production exceeded 13 million units, solidifying China’s leadership in the global EV market.
(3) The launch of the “Mengxiang” deep-sea drilling vessel filled a gap in global ocean exploration capabilities.
- Diplomacy Supporting Chinese Modernization and Economic Development
China’s foreign policy continues to support its modernization efforts and economic growth through:
(1) Accelerating high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy.
(2) Fostering stronger collaboration between Chinese and international enterprises to ensure stable global supply chains.
- International Order and Global Governance: China’s Role and Contributions
In 2024, China actively advocated for global governance reforms, promoting fairness and justice:
(1) China launched the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI), advocating for a more equitable and balanced international governance framework.
(2) Strengthened South-South cooperation, helping developing nations gain greater influence in global decision-making.
- The Taiwan Issue: Firm Commitment to National Reunification
Consul General Dai Yuming reaffirmed China’s unwavering stance on Taiwan, emphasizing the government’s strong opposition to any separatist activities:
(1) Expanding cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and well-being.
(2) Firmly countering foreign interference, ensuring national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- International Public Opinion on China: Shaping a Positive Global Narrative
China has strengthened its global communication efforts to present a truthful, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive image:
(1) Enhancing cooperation with international media to promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
(2) Actively countering misinformation and safeguarding China’s national image.
- Protection of Overseas Chinese Citizens: Strengthening Global Consular Services
The Chinese government remains committed to ensuring the safety and legal rights of its citizens abroad, further optimizing its consular protection system in 2025:
(1) Establishing global consular protection hotlines to provide emergency assistance.
(2) Enhancing visa and passport services for overseas Chinese communities.
(3) Strengthening cooperation with host country governments to safeguard the safety and interests of overseas Chinese.
Strengthening China-Canada Relations and Expanding Cooperation
In his concluding remarks, Consul General Dai Yuming emphasized China’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Canada across various sectors, including trade, technology, education, and culture. He encouraged Chinese-language media to continue serving as a bridge for fostering better understanding and communication between China and Canada, ultimately promoting stronger people-to-people ties.
This media briefing provided Montreal’s Chinese community with a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into China’s latest policies while reinforcing the foundation for stronger China-Canada relations in the future.