International audiences listen closely to Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year address, not simply for an account of China's domestic progress, but for signals regarding the world's largest developing country's stabilizing role amid growing global uncertainties.

The timing is significant. 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. In his address, President Xi noted that "our people enjoy a growing sense of gain, happiness and security," reinforcing a central theme that resonated beyond China's borders.

Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, told CGTN that the message reflects a consistent people-centered development philosophy. "President Xi's message can be summarized as an unwavering commitment to people-centric economic development, people-centric advancements and people's welfare at any cost," Ramay said.

He further observed that the address underscores technological self-reliance, innovation-driven growth and high-quality development aligned with green and climate agendas. On innovation, Xi said China "sought to energize high-quality development through innovation in 2025," noting that breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence models and domestically developed chips are helping cultivate new quality productive forces.

Looking ahead, as 2026 ushers in the commencement of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi emphasized the need to "take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle."

This emphasis resonates among international observers amid mounting strains on global governance, including rising protectionism, geopolitical rivalry and institutional paralysis.

For international partners, particularly in the Global South, China's emphasis on predictability and multilateral cooperation carries profound weight. This is especially evident in China-Africa relations.

Charles Onunaiju, director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria, observed that China's development planning tradition has fostered a more structured and predictable partnership with Africa. In 2025, the partnership marked a milestone with the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reflecting how China-Africa cooperation has evolved from project-based engagement into a more institutionalized and diversified relationship.

One landmark policy drawing sustained global attention is China's extension of zero-tariff treatment to all African nations with diplomatic relations, now fully implemented. Onunaiju described it as a game-changer for Africa, noting its impact extends beyond market access. By encouraging value-added production, supporting regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area and providing stability amid global tariff volatility, the policy will further promote the development of Africa.

In his speech, Xi noted that the world today is "undergoing both changes and turbulence," and said that China "always stands on the right side of history" and "is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity." He also said he has put forward the Global Governance Initiative "to promote a more just and equitable global governance system."

Onunaiju said, for Africa, which is still underrepresented in key global institutions despite its demographic and economic weight, the initiative directly responds to calls for reform. He emphasized that the initiative positions Africa not as a passive recipient of reform, but as an active participant in shaping global governance, redirecting focus toward outcomes that improve livelihoods.

As President Xi addresses the global community at the turn of the year, international observers widely believe China's emphasis on continuity, inclusivity and practical cooperation offers both opportunity and guidance.

China is increasingly viewed as a stabilizing force in the world, and China will continue translating vision into action, contributing to a more balanced and effective global order.

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