by Xinhua writer Wu Xia
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's image on the world stage has long been marked by economic clout: from large trade volumes to vast domestic markets, China has been termed as an economic powerhouse that pumps up global growth.
But a recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States and the United Nations has unveiled a new arena for Chinese influence: aid pledges in greater amounts to the most needed nations, even as China remains a big developing country.
Addressing the 193-member General Assembly on Monday, President Xi committed 1.1 billion U.S. dollars to support UN and African Union peacekeeping efforts. The day before, the Chinese president pledged an initial 2 billion dollars for meeting post-2015 global development goals, adding that it could grow to 12 billion by 2030. Another 10 million dollars was pledged to the UN agency promoting women's rights.
During his state visit to the United States, Xi pledged 3.1 billion dollars to help developing countries tackle climate change.
Xi's pledges during his U.S. trip sends a clear message to the international community: China is confident to shoulder the due international responsibilities as the world's second-largest economy. With growing financial pledges to address global challenges, China has turned from being a participant to a leader in global affairs.
China's aid programs, meanwhile, are free from economic and political conditions. Unlike some nations who use the power of the purse to extract political gains, China views its foreign aid program as an integral part of building a community of common destiny for mankind.
Adding to the aid pledges, Beijing also forged various platforms to facilitate cooperation in similar development areas. The long-awaited Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has 57 prospective founding countries so far, is expected to start operation around the end of this year, and the "Belt and Road" initiative is gaining traction in dozens of countries along the ancient Silk Road in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. China's multi-tier global engagement system to promote peace and development is gradually taking shape.
Such proactive steps to shoulder its international responsibility, however, should always be viewed in light of its current status as a developing nation. China's GDP per capita remains below world average, with nearly 70 million people still living in poverty. The country has achieved remarkable success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, but the endeavor is far from complete.
Looking ahead, China is undergoing a great shift from investment-led to consumption-driven growth model. As an open economy with a population of 1.3 billion, the great transformation offers even greater opportunity for regional and global investment and trade partners.
China's prosperity has reshaped global economy. That spill-over effect will continue and come into fruition in multiple areas.
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