Observers share 3 words about China

Steve Mollenkopf [Photo: Xinhua]

Steve Mollenkopf, chief executive officer of Qualcomm, the US semiconductor and telecommunications giant, chose "green" alongside "innovative" and "collaborative".

Environmental sustainability and the creation of a "Beautiful China" was one of the messages in Xi's report to the congress in the opening session.

"The Chinese government has attached great importance to ecological protection. During my recent visits to China, I have been impressed by the considerable efforts toward improving the environment."

Jeremy Hunter, chief executive of the Chinese branch of Henkel Corp, the German chemical and consumer goods company, had almost identical choices, varying only by noting "sustainable" rather than "green".

"China has prioritized sustainable development as an important part of its national agenda and is making progress toward balancing economic development and sustainability."

Xi made a brave defense of globalization in his speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January despite protectionist noises elsewhere in the world. So it is not surprising the word was chosen by a number of respondents.

It was one of the selections of Curt Ferguson, president of the Chinese arm of Coca-Cola, which remains one of the world's most global companies.

"China has become a champion of globalization. We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to forge strong local partnerships to serve Chinese consumers and share our experience of managing a truly international business in more countries and regions than there are members of the United Nations."

Lord Sassoon [Photo: People's Daily]

Part of China's commitment to globalization has been the Belt and Road Initiative, which Lord Sassoon, chairman of the China Britain Business Council, said has been "transforming" and "influencing."

"It has China's biggest achievements of the past five years and it provides extensive opportunities for engagement," he replied.

Angel Gurria [File photo]

Angel Gurria, the former Mexican foreign affairs and finance minister and now secretary-general of the Paris-based OECD, emphasized "innovative" as well as "dynamic" and "flexible".

"One of the most visible changes in China is the abundance of internet-based services, including mobile payments and shared economy services," he responded.

"These innovations have changed Chinese people's lives, well ahead of many other more economically advanced countries."

"Innovative" also featured in the choices of Alain Crozier, chief executive officer of Microsoft China, alongside "dynamic" and "transforming".

"China has really turned the corner from being a manufacturer and consumer of technology products and services invented by others to one that is developing real breakthroughs and real value that is relevant to the rest of the world."

Colin Mackerras, a Sinologist and emeritus professor at Griffith University in Australia, selected "prosperous", "confident" and "stronger", since all three, he says, are reflected in Xi's style of leadership.

"He stands out among contemporary world leaders for his rationality and common sense. He is very impressive."