Ambassador: Armenia and China face vast opportunities for joint projects

Armenia and China have reached a new level in their relations and now stand at a fresh starting point, facing broad prospects and the opportunity to develop various programs for the future, China’s Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei said.

“The purpose of this discussion is not to boast about China’s development achievements or simply promote China’s experience,” he said at the “Strengthening China-Armenia Strategic Partnership: A Dialogue on Governance Experience Exchange” international conference in Yerevan.

“Our goal is to explore how to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for our countries and societies in a changing world, and how to foster mutual trust and cooperation among peoples in a world full of competition and conflict. This year has been unprecedented not only for the world but also for China and Armenia. Together, we have witnessed many changes and important moments. This year, China’s economy has achieved a high level of development,” the ambassador said.

He recalled that the past two years have been significant for the development of Armenian-Chinese relations. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited China and met with President Xi Jinping. A key outcome of the meeting was the joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries, along with the signing of several other bilateral cooperation agreements.

“China is also one of the most open countries in the world. We have completely lifted restrictions on foreign investment in the production sector. China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative has now become the world’s largest economic cooperation platform, encompassing more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. Over the next five years, China will continue to ensure high-quality development, particularly through significant growth in technological innovation. The lives of the Chinese people will continue to improve, China’s environment will become even more beautiful, and its connections with the world will deepen. China’s development will continue to benefit the entire world,” Li Xinwei noted.

He emphasized that the Chinese government has found a development path suited to the country—modernization with Chinese characteristics—which is a broad, inclusive approach aimed at material and spiritual progress, human well-being, and harmony with the natural environment, all directed toward peaceful development.

“We view national and social development as an integrated system, rooted in effective governance. The core concept of Chinese governance is people-centeredness. Thanks to this philosophy, 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty, contributing 70% to the global reduction of poverty. From this perspective, China has achieved the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals a decade ahead of schedule,” the ambassador said.

According to the ambassador, China’s governance experience is not only meant to solve domestic issues but also to provide solutions for global development and governance challenges. In this context, China’s ‘Community with a Shared Future for Mankind’ initiative is also considered. Proposed by the Chinese President, this initiative has been included in UN General Assembly resolutions for eight consecutive years.

This year, President Xi Jinping also launched the ‘Global Governance’ initiative, which received support from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Recently, the Friends of Global Governance Group was established at the UN headquarters, and China welcomes Armenia’s participation in this initiative.

“China’s unique governance experience is not only part of its history; it is inseparable from global governance. China and Armenia are both ancient civilizations. We hope to achieve national development and the well-being of our peoples, striving for global peace and a bright future. In the pursuit of peaceful development and global governance, we are undoubtedly partners. China is ready to share its development experience and opportunities. We are full of hope to witness Armenia’s bright future,” Ambassador Li Xinwei concluded.