Bolivian diplomat: China's two sessions offer key signals for Global South

Hugo Siles, former Bolivian ambassador to China, who just completed his diplomatic mission in the country, said China's annual two sessions provide an important window into the country's policy priorities and its contribution to global development.

"The two sessions will decide on China's planning and priorities this year, which is marked by the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan," Siles said.

He noted that through the annual political event, China not only defines, implements, and advances its domestic development agenda, but also makes its contributions to global stability and development visible.

"With the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China will formulate public policies aimed at promoting high-quality growth, innovation, and modernization over the next five years," he said.

In his view, China will further consolidate technological self-reliance as a new backbone of its economy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, with artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and robotics among the leading sectors.

"In doing so, China will contribute to the international community and the Global South by facilitating access to and the transfer of technology," Siles said. "This is undoubtedly a contribution of major geopolitical significance."

Siles also highlighted China's broader role in promoting international cooperation. He said China continues to show the world that progress can be achieved through effective multilateralism, mutually beneficial cooperation, and the building of a shared future for humanity.

Through technological advancement and economic growth, China is creating important opportunities for cooperation within global industrial and supply chains, bringing benefits to many countries around the world, he added.

Drawing on his own diplomatic experience, Siles said he attended the two sessions three times during his tenure as Bolivia's ambassador to China.

He said the discussions on technology, industry, trade, energy, the environment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, among other issues, are closely aligned with the agenda of bilateral relations between Bolivia and China.

"In Bolivia and across the Global South, accessible technology transfer and effective mutual cooperation are highly valued," he said. "For this reason, it is essential to pay close attention to the outcomes of the two sessions."