[This opinion article was contributed by Pei Guangjiang, Senior Editor of the International News Department of People's Daily]
SEOUL, December 12 (AJP) - The year 2025 has entered its final month. This year, unilateralism and protectionism have injected greater uncertainty into the world. China, however, has charted a different course.
China has remained proactive, winning greater global goodwill through increasing opening up, stronger momentum of innovation, and an ever more appealing culture.
This year, surveys conducted by a range of international polling organizations, including Ipsos and Morning Consult, showed that China's global favorability continues to rise.
China, once viewed as a "mysterious country in the East," is now perceived as a "cool" nation.
More foreigners are visiting China visa-free. More believe that China's technological innovation and high-quality development are an unstoppable trend. More recognize the importance of China's proposals and initiatives to global development and progress. More view China as a stabilizing anchor in an uncertain world.
The rising favorability stems from stability and progress.
In the face of uncertainty driven by rising protectionism, China has consistently focused on "doing the right things." It has committed to advancing high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up.
In the first three quarters of this year, China's GDP grew by 5.2 percent year-on-year. In the first 11 months, its total imports and exports of goods increased by 3.6 percent year-on-year.
China remains steadfast in its commitment in response to external noise and short-term fluctuations. With strategic resolve and confidence, China continues to serve as a key engine of the world economy.
To date, China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, implemented zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with it, and announced that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in current or future World Trade Organization negotiations. Meanwhile, its "circle of friends" in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation continues to expand.
The world is witnessing ever-growing "China opportunities." With both an inclusive mindset and concrete opening-up measures, Chinese modernization continues to empower global development.
The rising favorability also reflects responsibility and commitment.
Amid the turbulence and anxiety triggered by the resurgence of unilateralism, China adheres to the right path of peaceful development and win-win cooperation.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In September, China held a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square, where a range of advanced weapons drew global attention.
Chinese President Xi Jinping declared, "The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity."
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit, China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, which has received support from more than 140 countries and international organizations.
The initiative, together with another three advanced by China, namely the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilizations Initiative, is working to improve global governance, and promote world peace and development.
"China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner," said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, adding that what China brings is not only stability, but also hope for a sustainable future.
The rising favorability is driven by innovation and perseverance.
After a month-long trip in China, a reporter from the UK's Daily Telegraph called China a society full of vitality and innovative spirit.
By adhering to an innovation-driven development strategy and accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces, China has impressed the world with its advances in science and technology.
A China committed to innovation is "future-oriented," with strong resilience. It has demonstrated to the world its resolve to face challenges and break new ground, and its unwavering determination to sustain effort, which has earned growing respect and recognition.
By upholding openness and cooperation, and sharing the fruits of innovation, China is joining hands with other countries to pursue common development.
The rising favorability also draws on China's profound heritage and approachability.
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