MUKAZA, April 10 (ABP) – The new Chinese ambassador to Burundi, Zhu Kewei, in office for one month, held a press conference on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the embassy premises to provide an update on China’s two sessions and on the conte nt of the newly adopted 15th five-year plan.
Speaking about the two annual sessions, she indicated that they consist of the National People’s Congress (NPC), which brings together 3,000 deputies who meet once a year in March, and the plenary session of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a consultative body prior to decision-making.
For Ms. Kewei, the March 2026 sessions took place against a dual backdrop. “Internally, it is a crucial historic turning point for China’s socialist modernization.” Internationally, she noted that the world is going through a critical moment, a period of great uncertainty. According to the Chinese ambassador to Burundi, both are of particular importance for China, as they set the roadmap for its modernization. Regarding China’s 15th five-year plan, which begins in 2026, the diplomat noted that it was adopted at the end of these sessions.
For China, it constitutes a roadmap for its modernization. “The formulation and implementation of five-year plans represent a crucial experience for China in governing the country. They are considered the secret of the success of Chinese governance and a valuable source for the Chinese people in their pursuit of a better life,” she emphasized.
She then explained the evolution of these plans since the first plan adopted in 1953. With the first five plans, China established a relatively complete industrial system and an independent economic system; the sixth and seventh made it possible to solve the problem of food and clothing; the eighth and ninth enabled Chinese citizens to enjoy a relatively comfortable life. Starting from the tenth plan, China began the comprehensive construction of a moderately prosperous society. By the end of the 14th plan, this objective had been achieved, with very solid foundations for the country’s modernization.
“Each of these plans has scientifically defined development objectives and tasks in line with the requirements of its time and has enabled synergy across society through efficient and optimal allocation of resources. The results are of two types: rapid economic development and lasting social stability.”
According to the Chinese ambassador to Burundi, the recently adopted 15th five-year plan opens a new chapter in China’s high-quality development. Its implementation will allow China’s modernization to reach a crucial stage. This plan is preparing for the achievement of China’s modernization by 2035, which explains its importance, she added.
During the press conference, the Chinese diplomat outlined the priorities of the 15th five-year plan. These include building a strong domestic market, accelerating development as a driver of growth, achieving a high level of technological self-reliance, creating new forms of economy, and developing advanced technologies (quantum technologies, artificial intelligence).
However, she pointed out that this 15th five-year plan offers opportunities for the world in three areas.
First, China will bring more certainty and stability to the world at a time of unprecedented transformations in a context of global uncertainty. According to her, a steadily advancing China represents more than ever an opportunity for the world. She added that during this period, China will continue to advocate for building a community with a shared future for humanity and to act as an ambassador of stability and justice worldwide.
Second, she stated that China’s modernization will stimulate more dynamic development and serve as an important driver of global economic growth, at a time when the world is facing slowing growth, widening development gaps, and increasing challenges such as climate change and energy security. “China will continue to contribute to the global economy through high-quality development.” As an illustration, she indicated that over the past five years, China’s economy has recorded an average annual growth of 5.4% and contributed more than 30% to global growth.
Third, the ambassador noted that China’s modernization offers development opportunities to other countries. In this regard, she mentioned that China is a trading partner with 160 countries. The Belt and Road Initiative has provided the largest platform for economic cooperation in the world. She also noted, among other points, that China has removed restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector and has applied a 0% tariff on products exported to China by all least developed countries with diplomatic relations.