Xiconomics: How China's development drives 'growbalization'

Economic globalization is the trend of the times, Xi reiterated in a landmark speech on Monday at the 2022 World Economic Forum (WEF) virtual session, calling for joint efforts to make "economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all" and fully unleash "the vitality of the world economy."

"We need to discard a Cold War mentality and seek peaceful coexistence and win-win outcomes," he said, pointing out that "confrontation does not solve problems; it only invites catastrophic consequences."

It is not the first time the Chinese president has expounded his vision on globalization. Five years ago, Xi expressed China's willingness to share its development achievements with the world.

"China's development is an opportunity for the world," Xi said in a keynote speech at the 2017 annual meeting of the WEF. "We will open our arms to the people of other countries and welcome them aboard the express train of China's development."

Across the world, China's development and cooperation with other countries have changed the life trajectory of numerous people. In Africa, China helped Kenya build the country's first railway since its independence, which links its two largest cities -- Nairobi and Mombasa -- and allows people to work in satellite cities and towns and join their families within hours.

Mohammad Nauman, a young Pakistani man, made a career decision seven years ago when China and Pakistan decided to build Pakistan's first metro system. He became a technician at the metro company. In 2020, the line was opened to traffic.

"It was very amazing for me that this whole connectivity was coming to my country," said Nauman.