International Computer Magazine
Commit for an open Global Economy : XI Jin Ping
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between growth and distribution, between capital and labor, and between efficiency and equity. Both developed and developing countries have felt the punch. Voices against globalization have laid bare pitfalls in the process of economic globalization that we need to take seriously. As a line in an old Chinese poem goes, “Honey melons hang on bitter vines; sweet dates grow on thistles and thorns.” In a philosophical sense, nothing is perfect in the world. One would fail to see the full picture if he claims something is perfect because of its merits, or if he views something as useless just because of its defects. It is true that economic globalization has created new problems, but this is no justification to write economic globalization off completely. Rather, we should adapt to and guide economic globalization, cushion its negative impact, and deliver its benefits to all countries and all nations. There was a time when China also had doubts about economic globalization, and was not sure whether it should join the World Trade Organization. But we came to the conclusion that integration into the global economy is a historical trend. To grow its economy, China must have the courage to swim in the vast ocean of the global market. If one is always afraid of bracing the storm and exploring the new world, he will sooner or later get drowned in the ocean. Therefore, China took a brave step to embrace the global market. We have had our fair share of choking in the water and encountered whirlpools and choppy waves, but we have learned how to swim in this process. It has proved to be a right strategic choice. Whether you like it or not, the global economy is the big ocean that you cannot escape from. Any attempt to cut off the flow of capital, technologies, products, industries and people between economies, and channel the waters in the ocean back into isolated lakes and creeks is not possible. Indeed, it runs counter to the historical trend. The gap between the poor and the rich and the South and the North are widening. One percent of the world’s richest population own more wealth than the remaining 99 percent. Over 700 million people in the world are still living in extreme poverty. For many families, to have warm |
houses, enough food and secure jobs is still a distant dream. This is the biggest challenge facing the world today. Governance makes it difficult to adapt new developments in the global economy. Uneven global development makes it difficult to meet people’s expectations for better lives. We should develop a dynamic, innovation-driven growth model. The fundamental issue plaguing the global economy is the lack of driving force for growth. Innovation is the primary force guiding development. We need to relentlessly pursue innovation. Only with the courage to innovate and reform can remove bottlenecks blocking global growth and development. All this shows that there are indeed problems with world economic growth, governance and development models, and they must be resolved. We need to have the vision to dissect these problems; more importantly, we need to have the courage to take actions to address them. World history shows that the road of human civilization has never been a smooth one, and that mankind has made progress by surmounting difficulties. We should join hands and rise to the challenge. History is created by the brave. Let us boost confidence, take actions and march arm-in-arm towards a bright future. The Chinese president Mr.Jinping underlined his commitment to the Paris climate talks, and warned against the dangers of protectionism. We should commit ourselves for the growing of an open global economy. No one will emerge as the winner in a trade war. “Our real enemy is not the neighboring country; it is hunger, poverty, ignorance, superstition and prejudice”, the president quoted Henry Dunant’s words. |