STEVE DAINES
“THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY IN CHINA IS TRULY IMPRESSIVE, AND IS DUE, IN NO SMALL PART, TO ECONOMIC REFORMS THAT HAVE ALLOWED THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PLAY A LARGER ROLE IN THE ECONOMY.” Steve Daines, United States senator for Montana
President Xi Jinping said China has embarked on a “new era” in its development while spelling out a twostage development plan for the country by the mid-21st century. What do you think of that? What is happening in China that impresses you the most?
China is already making meaningful progress on some of the issues addressed by President Xi Jinping at the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress, such as in innovation. For example, I have been particularly impressed by China’s advancements in quantum technology. President Xi Jinping has pledged to develop a modern economy. What are your expectations for that?
I would expect a modern Chinese economy to be one that has a thriving middle class, is even more integrated in the global economic system, and open to foreign goods and services. As China’s middle class grows, I would expect Chinese consumers’ appetite for high-quality US goods to increase, such as US agricultural goods. This year, China re-opened the door to US beef after a 14-year ban, in part due to increasing demand for high-quality US beef among China’s middle class. China’s is still the world’s fastest-growing economy, and millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. What in your opinion has been the key to such achievements? And what do you think of the Chinese development model?
I believe China’s patience and willingness to take calculated economic reforms over time have been instrumental to China’s success thus far. The number of people that have been lifted out of poverty in China is truly impressive, and is due, in no small part, to economic reforms that have allowed the private sector to play a larger role in the economy. China has also been making efforts to reform and develop the global governance system. How do you think China’s experience and wisdom can benefit countries and people around the world?
While China has certainly been active in shaping the international economic environment, many observers remain cautious toward China. China’s ingenuity and willingness to shoulder more responsibility internationally, such as in addressing tensions on the Korean Peninsula or combating illicit drugs, will benefit the global community. China has made progress on its adherence to the rule of law and we look forward to the Chinese leadership making it more transparent for the international business community.