The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (collectively known as the "two sessions") were held in Beijing not long ago. The holding of the "two sessions" is a major event on China's political agenda, a vivid demonstration of the whole-process people's democracy in China, and an important window for the international community to observe and understand the country. I would like to use "CHINA" (Confident, Heartwarming, Innovative, Nature-friendly, Agro-modern) to highlight five key aspects of this year's "two sessions" and explore their positive implications for the future of China-Israel cooperation.
1. Confident
China's GDP exceeded 134.9 trillion RMB in 2024, registering a 5-percent increase year on year. The achievement enabled China to contribute over 30 percent to global economic growth and stay among the fastest growing major economies. China possesses resilience in its economy, potential in its market, and vitality in its companies. It also has the courage to confront risks and challenges, the capacity to solve problems, and the confidence to achieve the around 5-percent GDP growth target for 2025, as outlined in the Report on the Work of the Government 2025 (or the Report).
2. Heartwarming
The "two sessions" addressed public concerns and warmed people's hearts by introducing policies that will improve people's livelihood. The Report proposed to "pursue people-oriented macro policies", signaling that China's economic policies for 2025 will continue focusing on improving people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. The Chinese government will encourage more investment in people through funds and resources to create more opportunities, improve quality of life and foster a better environment for people's development. Investing in people is emerging as a new trend for private capital, unlocking significant potential in such sectors as education, healthcare and elderly care services. This will undoubtedly open up broader prospects for China-Israel practical cooperation.
3. Innovative
Technological innovation relies on professionals, who are trained through education. During this year's session of the National People's Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping took part in a deliberation with deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province. In light of building a modernized industrial system, he noted that education, technological development and training of professionals should be integrated, and that technological outcomes should be translated into true productivity. He also put forward requirements for technological and industrial innovation.
Innovation cooperation has become a highlight and a propeller of China-Israel practical cooperation. China-Israel cooperation platforms including Changzhou Innovation Park, Shanghai Innovation Park and Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, which are equipped with the "education+innovation+professionals" cooperation philosophy, have enabled both sides to yield fruitful outcomes in various fields such as new energy, life sciences and intelligent manufacturing. Innovation cooperation between our two countries will make greater achievements and open up brighter prospects.
4. Nature-friendly
During an interview on the sidelines of this year's "two sessions", Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu highlighted the contrast between two membranes taken from the PM2.5 air monitoring filter in Beijing – the black, heavily polluted one taken in 2015 and the gray, cleaner one from 2024. The comparison vividly demonstrates China's progress in reducing air pollution.
Ecological protection and governance have always been priorities for the Chinese government for years. Besides, according to the Report, energy reform will continue to be promoted with the goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. China has made significant progress in renewable energy including solar and wind power, while Israel has made breakthroughs in water management, energy storage, and electricity generation from renewables. By leveraging our complementary strengths, we can enhance coordination for more win-win results and jointly promote the development of clean energy
5. Agro-modern
The Report pointed out that China will advance the high-quality development of high-standard cropland for rural revitalization. Initiatives will be taken to invigorate the seed industry, step up the construction of irrigation and water conservancy facilities and the building of modern irrigation areas. China will also accelerate the R&D and application of advanced, appropriate agricultural machinery and equipment and the large-scale application of advances in agricultural science and technology. The Chinese people clearly remember that, in the past 40 years, Israel assisted China in agricultural modernization through cooperation in areas including drip irrigation, water-fertilizer integration management, automated farming and agricultural informatization. Looking ahead, Israeli and Chinese companies can cooperate and exchange knowledge in crop breeding and pest control, taking our agricultural innovation cooperation to a higher level.
As China continues to promote high-standard opening up, its new development will create new opportunities for Israel and beyond. The Chinese side is ready to work with Israel to promote the sound and stable development of China-Israel innovative comprehensive partnership and bring more benefits to both peoples.
Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.
