Global experts hail Xi's people-centered message

President Xi Jinping's New Year message on Wednesday has presented a clear picture of China's governance philosophy: putting people first while pursuing sustainable, high-quality development, which offers a model for development and governance that is increasingly appealing to today's world, global experts said.

Keith Bennett, cofounder of the Friends of Socialist China platform, told China Daily that the message reflects how socialism, with a strong Communist Party at its core, is rising again and assuming an enhanced role in the world, both in terms of achievement and attraction.

He said that the Chinese people's cultural self-confidence is reflected in developments ranging from humanoid robots performing kung fu kicks, to the resurgence of traditional Chinese culture, and even the grassroots football leagues in Guizhou. These examples, he said, "show how life for the masses of the Chinese people is becoming more dignified and joyful as well as the growing attraction of Chinese civilization, culture and 'soft power' for people throughout the world".