China’s 15th 5-Year Plan: China-ASEAN green, digital trade

CEBU CITY—The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Cebu unveiled its 15^th 5-Year Plan, marking the beginning of the country’s new two-step march towards socialist modernization by 2035 promoting China‑ASEAN green, digital trade, and Taiwan as an internal matter.

“China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan will sustain its role as a major driver of global growth, contributing roughly 30% of worldwide output each year while advancing institutional opening and shaping a fair, inclusive international economic order,” bared Chinese Consul General in Cebu Zhang Zhen, at the New Year Media Briefing Tuesday, January 27 at Mandarin Plaza Hotel, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City.

Consul Zhen, in her opening presentation, talked about the evolution of China’s 5-Year Plans and its role in China's development, starting with the first plan in 1953 that focused on industrialization and economic growth.  The plans have evolved over time, incorporating broader goals of social equality, environmental protection, cultural enrichment, and national governance.

She highlighted the 14^th 5-Year Plan with technological breakthroughs including the development of a domestically produced AI model and it accelerated China's green transition and fostered a world-class electric vehicle industry. It marked a significant milestone with China achieving GDP growth without increasing records, focusing on long-term governance.

Zhen talked about the latest developments in China-- the development of a new method to mass produce high-quality indium selenide chips, which outperform current technology. The innovation involves controlling the atomic ratio between indium and selenium, leading to the production of indium 797 and desertification and ecological barriers.

“Striking energy spreading across the Desert in China's mainland, completing a barrier belt along the southwestern edge of the Desert to stabilize the land against desertification. The country has been innovative in anti-desertification measures, combining solar panels with crop plantations. Over 3000 kilometers of ecological barriers have been recognized globally for their effectiveness,” Consul Zhen shared.

The 15th five-year plan is expected to continue China's modernization efforts, building on the achievements of the 14th plan, Zhen said adding that the 14^th plan moved from prescriptive to strategic and the 15^th plan highlighted green transition and AI breakthroughs and promotes Taiwan sovereignty and reunification stance.

“China maintains that Taiwan remains part of its territory and opposes independence, citing the one‑China principle and international support for reunification,” Zhen bared.

She shared that President Xi Jinping announced a Chinese proposal to strengthen global governance, emphasizing justice, peace, and the United Nations’ central role, and received support from over 150 countries in 2025.

China’s global south engagement expanded trade and investment achieving 20% growth in non‑financial direct investment and zero tariffs for least developed countries. China and the Philippines celebrated their 50th diplomatic anniversary, strengthening trade ties and reaffirming mutual cooperation in energy and infrastructure.

Chinese companies are advancing bridge projects in Manila and Taiwan, while China donated $1 million and 1 million RMB to aid Cebu after natural disasters, demonstrating cooperative economic and humanitarian efforts. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cebu Chinese Consulate General hosts 76th founding anniversary of People’s Republic of China

CEBU CITY -- The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with a grand celebration on September 28 at NUSTAR led by Consul General Zhang Zhen with the Cebu’s Filipino-Chinese communities, business leaders, and government officials, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, League of Municipalities of the Philippines Cebu Chapter president and Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, and several other mayors from Cebu Province.

“This occasion is not only a moment of pride for China but also an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between our two sides. I thanked Cebu’s leaders and communities for their long-standing support. I especially felt the genuine desire across the local society for closer cooperation between our two sides,” Zhang said, in her anniversary remarks.

Zhang highlighted China’s transformation over the past 76 years, from lifting 800 million people out of poverty to becoming a global leader in innovation, renewable energy, and international development. She also recalled how Chinese aid has reached the Visayas during times of calamity, as she talked about China’s significant contributions to global peace and development through its Belt and Road Initiative and South-South Cooperation Fund.

“This celebration also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, and the importance of Cebu in in strengthening these ties.  I hope to see more Cebuanos and Visayans visiting China, more Chinese visiting this region. I hope to see more people promoting sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges,” Zhang said.

Zhang added that the real foundation of bilateral relations lies in cultural and social ties and Cebu is home to one of the Philippines’ largest Chinese communities.  The true strength of any bilateral relationship lies in its people-to-people connections—the historical ties, shared interests, and common aspirations that bind them together.

The Consul General expressed optimism that Cebu continues to play a vital role in China-Philippines exchanges. “May the enduring friendship between our peoples serve as a beacon of mutual respect, illuminating the path toward lasting peace and shared prosperity,” she concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman/RMA News)