Interview with the Chinese Ambassador H. E. Yin Chengwu
From March 5 to 12, 2026, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress of China and the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, normally called annual "Two Sessions", were held in Beijing. During the sessions, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions from Chinese and foreign media about China's foreign policy and external relations. China's lawmakers approved the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China (2026-2030). On this occasion, The Front Page Africa conducted an exclusive interview with the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Yin Chengwu on topics including China's new development blueprint, new opportunities in China-Africa relations, and China's zero-tariff treatment for African countries.
Q1: The 2026 National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), commonly known as the "Two Sessions", have just concluded. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report on behalf of the State Council at the Fourth Session of the 14th NPC. What are the key highlights and major points of this year's Government Work Report?
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A: The Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang comprehensively summarizes the solid achievements made in China's economic and social development over the past year, while also outlining the main targets and policy directions for economic and social development in 2026. In 2025, the Chinese economy remained generally stable, and steady growth was registered. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5 percent, reaching 140.19 trillion RMB. Over the past year, the Chinese government implemented more proactive and effective macro policies and worked to maintain stable economic performance; pursued innovation-driven development and continued to build a modernized industrial system; further deepened reform and opening up and ensured smooth flows in the national economy; moved forward with both new urbanization and all-around rural revitalization and promoted coordinated development between urban and rural areas and between different regions; ensured the people's wellbeing and actively developed social programs; worked faster to build a Beautiful China and advanced green and low-carbon development; continued to enhance government performance and developed new and better approaches to social governance. Amidst profound and complex developments both at home and abroad, the Chinese government and people met challenges head-on and worked hard with determination. The main objectives and tasks for economic and social development in 2025 were accomplished and solid new strides were made in advancing Chinese modernization.
In 2026, taking into account both changes in China's domestic economic performance and the external environment, the main targets for development this year are set as follows: GDP growth of 4.5-5 percent, over 12 million new urban jobs, CPI increase of around 2 percent, personal income growth in step with economic growth, a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, grain output of around 700 million metric tons, a reduction of around 3.8 percent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP.
New developments and tasks call for better performance from the Chinese government. This year, China will build a robust domestic market, foster new growth drivers at a faster pace, move faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, continue to deepen reform in key areas, expand high-standard opening up, advance all-around rural revitalization, advance new urbanization and coordinated regional development, take stronger measures to ensure and improve the people's wellbeing, accelerate the green transition across the board, strengthen risk prevention and mitigation and enhancing security capacity in key areas. We believe that in the new year, as long as the Chinese government and people remain committed to managing our own affairs and moving steadily forward, we will ultimately achieve success.
Q2: This year is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. How to view the "score card" of China's economy during the 14th Five-Year Plan period? Could you also share what promising aspects we can look forward to in the 15th Five-Year Plan?
A: The past five years have been truly momentous and extraordinary. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China(CPC), China's economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in the government work report, summarized these achievements through six key aspects: China's economy reached new heights. China's GDP crossed 140 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth of 5.4 percent, well above the global average. New breakthroughs were achieved in technological and industrial innovation. With China's manufacturing sector leading the world in value added for the past 16 years, our industrial and supply chains have steadily become more resilient and secure. New strides were made in reform and opening up. We continued to expand high-standard opening up. All access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing were lifted. China cemented its position as the world's largest trader of goods. The people's wellbeing was elevated to a new level. Per capita disposable income increased at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent, and a total of over 60 million urban jobs were created. Solid steps were taken to implement unified national management of basic old-age insurance funds. Life expectancy reached 79.25 years. Fresh progress was achieved in ecological conservation. With our forest coverage rising past 25 percent, China achieved the world's fastest and largest increase in forest resources. We also created the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. China's ability to safeguard security improved. Security capacity was bolstered considerably in key spheres, including food, energy and resources, the financial sector, and cyberspace. We maintained overall social stability. The year 2025 marked the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan. we have accomplished all 20 major targets, 17 major strategic tasks, and 102 major projects set out in the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan. This is no easy feat, no simple accomplishment, and truly remarkable.
The Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China (2026-2030) specified 20 main indicators for China's development over the next five years, covering five key areas: economic development, innovation, public wellbeing, green and low-carbon development, and security. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period,there are four major strategic tasks: pursue high-quality development, strengthen the domestic economy, advance common prosperity for all and ensure both development and security. To ensure effective implementation of the objectives and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Outline proposes a total of 109 major projects in 6 areas, based on a full consideration of their strategic value, guiding role, and continuity, to steer the development of new quality productive forces, modernize the infrastructure system, promote integrated urban-rural development, ensure and improve public wellbeing, promote the green and low-carbon transition and ensure security in key areas. For African countries, this means that more cooperation opportunities will emerge in areas such as green infrastructure, new energy, digital technology, agricultural modernization, and talent development. China is willing to further strengthen strategic alignment with Liberia and other African countries during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and promote China-Africa cooperation to a higher level and deeper dimension.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China delivered an impressive set of accomplishments, fully demonstrating its economic momentum of steady progress with stability, its resilience in navigating pressures, and its vitality in embracing innovation and pursuing higher quality. It is precisely for these reasons that, as we look ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, China is more resilient and confident in tackling various risks and challenges, possesses even greater resolve in advancing high-quality economic development, and looks to the future with stronger confidence.
Q3: During the Foreign Minister's press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi comprehensively elaborated on the policy direction of China's diplomacy, emphasizing that China will stay committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. In your view, what is the most distinctive feature of China's diplomacy under the current international situation? What practical significance does this hold for safeguarding the common interests of developing countries?
A: Under the current international situation, the most prominent features of China's diplomacy are stability and certainty. At the very beginning of the press conference, Foreign Minister Wang Yi clearly emphasized that China's diplomacy provides the most-needed stability and certainty to a world in turmoil. In 2025, guided by head-of-state diplomacy, China worked to build a community with a shared future for humanity, promoted stable relations with major countries, deepened regional, multilateral, and Global South cooperation, and remained committed to peace and common development. Wang Yi articulated China's basic diplomatic stance and course of action through "Five Firms": China's diplomacy firmly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, firmly upholds international rule of law and fairness and justice, firmly opposes all unilateral acts, power politics and bullying, firmly observes and fulfills international obligations, and firmly stands on the right side of history. China does not engage in geopolitical calculations, does not pick sides, and does not seek bloc confrontation. Through its actions, China remains the most stable, reliable and positive force and the world's most important force for peace, for stability and for justice in a turbulent world.
During the press conference, Wang Yi explicitly stated that China's diplomacy is an independent foreign policy of peace, always standing on the right side of history and alongside the vast number of developing countries. We are committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics. China is a natural member of the Global South. As the largest developing country, China is more conscious of the ardent expectations of Global South countries. Within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), we actively speak up for developing countries and work to promote a more just and equitable international order.
Last year, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), highlighted five principles of the GGI, namely, sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and real actions. It was quickly echoed by over 150 countries and international organizations, including Liberia. The most unequivocal requirement of the GGI is that the U.N. must keep pace with the times, improve its governance system through reform, and adapt to the evolving international situation and the changing dynamics in the global balance of power in the 21st century. In particular, it should enhance the voice and representation of countries of the Global South, and better reflect the legitimate demands of developing countries. The goal is to build a more just and equitable global governance system. At present, China has initiated the Group of Friends of Global Governance which was launched successively at the U.N. Headquarters in New York and its office in Geneva. Many countries, especially Global South countries, joined the group with great enthusiasm. It is believed that this will strongly drive the international community to contribute to the construction of a more just and equitable global governance system.
Q4: In recent years, China-Africa relations have continued to deepen. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also stated at the press conference that China will always stand together with African countries. What aspects can be expected in China-Africa and China-Liberia relations in the new year?
A: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between China and African countries. This year is also designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. China-Africa friendship has stood the test of changing international circumstances and has become ever stronger over time. In the first 2 months of 2026, President Xi Jinping has already sent 3 letters or messages to our African brothers. It's clear from these messages that China's top leader wants the torch of China-Africa friendship to be passed from generation to generation, and Africa can count on China's steadfast support for its development and revitalization. At the beginning of this year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a successful visit to Africa. For 36 years, China's foreign minister has kicked off the year with a visit to Africa, a tradition that has been honored rain or shine. This consistency reflects the spirit and commitment of China's diplomacy.
This year, China-Africa relations will see many new developments. First, fresh steps in building the China-Africa community with a shared future. We will host multiple African leaders. Second, full implementation of zero-tariff access for 100 percent of African imports as from May 1. As part of China's commitment to high-standard opening up, we are removing tariffs completely to boost trade, multiply benefits for the people, and help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the Chinese market. Third, the nearly 600 exciting events to take place under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
In Liberia, the China-Liberia strategic partnership continues to deepen, practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded even more fruitful results, and people-to-people exchanges have grown closer. Over the past year, we have been delighted to see the rapid progress in the construction of the overpass bridges, with the construction schedule proceeding at an exciting pace. The China-aid Refurbishment and Expansion Project of Liberia Broadcasting System has been completed. Trainees in the Bamboo and Rattan Weaving project have achieved remarkable results, producing many exquisite works...This year, guided by the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, we will continue to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, steadily advance various China-aided projects in Liberia, and encourage more people from all sectors of Liberian society to visit, study, and receive training in China so that they can witness firsthand the achievements of Chinese modernization. We will work to ensure that the outcomes of our cooperation deliver more and more direct benefits to the people of China and Liberia. Not long ago, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Cornelia W. Kruah, announced the good news that 15 players selected from each county in Liberia will travel to Guizhou Province, China, to participate in the "Village Super League" football friendship match. As part of the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges, we look forward to deepening friendship between Chinese and Liberian players through the match and promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. I hope you will continue to follow this friendship match.
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Q5: Could you please elaborate on the current effectiveness of the zero-tariff policy in Liberia? What cooperation opportunities can Liberia seize from this?
A: The zero-tariff policy is an important outcome of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit and a concrete manifestation of China's commitment to supporting Africa's development and upholding the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. On February 14, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit, announcing that starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement the zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This is an important step taken by China to voluntarily expand unilateral opening up. It will create even greater opportunities for China to expand cooperation with African countries. Currently, many African countries are taking advantage of China's zero-tariff treatment to expand their exports to China. Liberia is also benefiting from it. According to the statistics from the Chinese customs, Liberia's exports to China increased by 23.9% in 2025, reaching 131 million USD.
Liberia has abundant labor force, excellent harbor conditions, dense forests, high-quality iron ore, robust palm and rubber trees, high-quality cassava, and fragrant coffee and cocoa, giving it advantages in expanding exports and developing an export-oriented economy. Zero tariffs, as a combined measure for trade and investment, will mutually reinforce with Liberia's needs to expand exports, attract investment, and increase employment, thereby driving cooperation between China and Liberia in multiple fields. With the joint efforts of both sides, a benign cycle of "trade-investment-industrial upgrading-expanded exports" will ultimately be formed. As part of China's commitment to high-standard opening up, we are removing tariffs completely to boost trade, multiply benefits for the people, and help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the Chinese market.
In the next stage, The Chinese side is willing to strengthen the alignment of China's zero-tariff treatment with Liberia's development plans in relevant fields, and identify competitive, high-potential, and sustainable export products for Liberia's expanding exports to China. China welcomes Liberia's continuous efforts to optimize its business environment, formulate policies to support agricultural and other exports, and establish a standardized production system. At the same time, the Chinese side hopes the Liberian side can actively participate in trade and economic activities hosted by China, such as the China International Import Expo, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and the Canton Fair to accurately connect with the Chinese consumers' preferences, enhance the brand awareness of Liberian products, and showcase Liberia's enormous potential. The Chinese side is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Liberia's economic sectors, helping more Liberian friends become more familiar with China's trade rules and facilitating the entry of more high-quality Liberian products into China.
