Pakistani newspaper's recognition reflects China's growing responsibility, expert says

Chinese political advisers and senior Pakistani officials said the recent naming of President Xi Jinping as "Statesman of the Year 2015" by a leading Pakistani newspaper signals the growing recognition worldwide of China's evolving philosophy of governance.

They also said they expect further recognition from the international community of Xi's initiatives and the increasing appeal of China's top leader.

In February, the Pakistan Observer released a 100-page special report, the cover of which called Xi the "world's most powerful leader".

In the newspaper's poll of the Pakistani public, 84.3 percent of respondents said Xi was their choice as "Statesman of the Year 2015".

Zhu Guangyao, a political adviser and vice-minister of finance, said that behind the endorsement of the Pakistani public is "huge attention worldwide on Xi's philosophy of governing the country".

Zhu, a senior expert on global financial affairs, said President Xi's ideas on governance are "significant to both China and the world".

Xi has placed the economy high on China's diplomatic agenda since taking office. He proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in 2013.

China has also led global efforts in co-establishing the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

As news media around the world and political figures track and study Xi's policy proposals and governing philosophy, the president's influence "will be even bigger in the world", Zhu said.

Yin Zhuo, a political adviser and director of the People's Liberation Army Navy's Expert Consultation Committee, said the Belt and Road Initiative has been warmly received and supported by China's neighbors and countries along the routes.

The results of the Pakistani survey "illustrated China's image as a major country shouldering responsibility", Yin said.

Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said the Pakistan Observer's report reinforces the Pakistan-China friendship and the efforts of the Chinese leadership in deepening ties.

Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign affairs to Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, said at the launching ceremony for the special report on Feb 18 that Xi is a great leader with vision and fresh ideas.

Pan Qinglin, a political adviser and standing committee member of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said "almost all of the political parties across the world will offer recognition when China's reform and opening-up is bringing benefits to the world".

"It is not just Chinese people who are observing the whole process of reform and opening-up. People around the world are watching also," Pan said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn