Editor's note: "The Numbers of a Decade: A Journey through China's Modernization" is an interactive multimedia product launched by CGTN. It recounts the past decade's developments in China after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This article offers a glimpse of insights that the product offers on economy. Hit here for the complete experience.

"To build a modern socialist country in all respects, we must, first and foremost, pursue high-quality development," Xi Jinping said on October 16, presenting a report to the 20th CPC National Congress on behalf of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

"In pursuing economic growth, we must continue to focus on the real economy. We will advance new industrialization and move faster to boost China's strength in manufacturing, product quality, aerospace, transportation, cyberspace and digital development," Xi said.

As part of its overall development objectives for the year 2035, China aims to "build a modernized economy, form a new pattern of development, and basically achieve new industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization."

This vision for the future blends seamlessly with China's pursuits in the past decade as an analysis of the last two five-year plans (FYPs) shows that rapid and sustainable economic development as well as industrial restructuring emerged as two of the main focuses of the 2011-2015 period, while the 13th FYP (2016-2020) aimed to maintain medium-high rate of growth.

The dramatic increase in GDP in the past decade – from about 54 trillion yuan to over 114 trillion yuan – speaks volumes about the importance the government attaches to its promise of guaranteeing sound economic development.

The contribution of China's economic growth to the world economy also stands at 18.5%, making it the largest growth engine for the global economy.

At the same time, consistently low rates of inflation and unemployment show that the benefits of economic growth have been transferred to the people in the shape of affordable consumer prices and sustainable livelihood.

Moreover, a nation's commitment to scientific advancement can be gauged by the resources it chooses to allocate to research and development (R&D).

In China's case, R&D expenditure posted a whopping fourfold increase in 2021 as compared to the 2010 figure. The efforts also reflect in the Global Innovation Index on which it ranked 11th in 2022.

From the depths of space to that of the oceans, China also made substantial leaps in scientific and technological development, building its own space station and launching missions to the moon, Mars and beyond, besides developing its state-of-the-art aircrafts, deep-sea submersible and supercomputers.

Furthermore, from air, rail and highway networks to a range of public service venues, China embarked on a range of infrastructure projects during the past decade.

One of the highlights of infrastructural development is the high-speed railway network, which expanded over sevenfold. The country also witnessed the construction of nearly 70 new airports and about a million kilometers of highways.

For more details about China's developments in the economic sector and an in-depth account of China's overall journey in the past decade, visit "The Numbers of a Decade: A Journey through China's Modernization."