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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Berlin, October 20 (Xinhua) — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China demonstrated its ability to transform external shocks into opportunities for long-term modernization. Michael Schumann, Chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, stated this in a recent interview with Xinhua.
As M. Shuman noted, China, despite global uncertainty, continues to implement innovation and digital technologies and strive for green transformation, while maintaining social stability.
"Few countries manage to maintain such a balance. I would characterize the past five years as a period of sustained transformation, when challenges have become catalysts for modernization," the businessman noted. "Planning in China is distinguished by its particular quality, as plan implementation is generally more consistent, and the people involved are highly qualified to carry it out."
"In China, innovation has developed, digital infrastructure has expanded, the green transition has accelerated, and people's well-being has improved even further. This combination of structural reforms and social stability is truly impressive," the Xinhua source added.
M. Schuman emphasized China's development philosophy, which centers on innovation, coordination, green growth, and openness. "This reminds us that GDP alone is no longer sufficient; development must be measured by sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience," he noted.
Based on this vision, M. Schumann continued, the concept of new productive forces marks a significant shift in China's development model. "It shows that future growth will depend less on cheap labor and more on advanced technologies, green energy, digital platforms, and human capital," the businessman stated. "For China, this means unleashing new drivers of modernization. For the world, it means transforming the engines of global growth toward sustainability and shared prosperity."
M. Shuman said he has already visited China three times this year and witnessed firsthand the dynamism of the Chinese economy. During one visit to an electric vehicle factory in Beijing, he was particularly struck by the high level of automation and efficiency, which, he said, reflects China's strong momentum in industrial innovation.
Such progress, he emphasized, is also changing global supply chains and business strategies. Many German companies are expanding their business in China to exploit the potential of the Chinese market and maintain connections to global production networks.
The country's dynamic innovation environment acts as a "fitness center" for foreign companies seeking to remain competitive, noted M. Shuman.
He noted that against a backdrop of rising protectionism and challenges to global supply chains, China's continued institutional openness sends a strong signal of stability.
“While many economies are turning inward, China is doing the opposite and continuing to open up,” M. Schumann emphasized, citing the sustainable development of China-Europe freight rail links as a concrete example of how connectivity can translate into shared growth.
"The China-Europe rail connection isn't just about trade; it also fosters trust, stability, and development. For example, Duisburg, a former industrial city, has now been transformed by logistics hubs and new businesses linked to the rail network. The railway creates a real ripple effect, stimulating the local economy and bringing tangible benefits to German communities," the businessman explained.
Looking ahead, M. Shuman said China's five-year plan mechanism will remain one of its key institutional strengths, combining long-term vision with operational efficiency and ensuring coherence across ministries, regions, and industries, which is difficult to achieve in other countries.
Regarding the 15th Five-Year Plan, which China is currently developing, M. Schuman suggested that it would focus on green growth, digital transformation, and the development of new productive forces. The Xinhua source also expressed hope that China would continue to deepen international cooperation in areas such as climate technology, sustainable finance, and global governance reform.
“I expect to see a China that is even greener, more innovative, and more connected to the world—a China that continues to promote stability and shared prosperity,” concluded M. Schuman. –0–
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