China has long been an active participant in global trade. But is the country's impact on the world no more than just economic? Jim Spellman reports from Washington.

In recent years China's impact on the world has steadily grown.

 

Xi Jinping General Secretary of Communist Party of China "The Party has united and led all the Chinese people in a tireless struggle, propelling China into a leading position in terms of economic and technological strength, defense capabilities, and collective national strength. China's international standing has risen as never before."

 

Many experts say China's approach to economic investment is transforming the world economy. Ralph Winnie leads the China Center at the Eurasia Institute, a U.S. based think tank.

 

Ralph Winnie Jr. Eurasia Institute "China's policy has been we don't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. What we want to do when we go in is create a win-win situation, a trusted partnership based on economic trade and opportunity to improve the quality of life for people.

 

This non-confrontational approach to foreign direct investment has been warmly welcomed in many nations, especially in the developing world.

 

Hussein Ismail Egyptian Information Agency "General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed in his report that 'China will not close its door to the world; it will only become more and more open.' It means foreign corporations and investors will have more opportunities to enter the Chinese market."

 

China's impact isn't simply about trade. As China takes the lead in areas such as the climate change, more people have become curious about the country. Tourism and people-to-people exchanges have increased and more countries see China in a positive way.

 

Nicholas Beale Global Collaboration on Financial System Stability "GDP numbers by themselves don't tell the whole story. GDP growth at the expense of the environment, for example, is something which perhaps has happened in the past in China. I am very encouraged to see that, as I understand it, a very important part of Xi Jinping's vision, that he wants to advance China in all dimensions - economic, social, environmental, ethical, etc."

 

China's rising prominence has come as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, has seemed to pull back from the world stage, while pursing protectionist economic policies.

 

Ralph Winnie Jr. Eurasia Institute "The question for the United States is what is our role going to be? Are we going to treat them as a trusted frind of partner or are we going to view them as potential adversaries?"

 

JIM SPELLMAN WASHINGTON According to a recent Pew Research Center survey more people now have more confidence in Xi Jinping than in Donald Trump when it comes to doing the right thing, regarding world affairs. Jim Spellman, CGTN, Washington.