A seminar for legislators from China and Pacific island countries opened in Beijing on November 20, 2023, aiming at strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Pacific island countries. Organized by the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and under the theme of "exploring new paths to modernization and working together to achieve mutual development," the seminar attracted 21 parliamentarians from five countries, namely Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

During their three-day stay in Beijing, the parliamentarians had discussions on multiple issues, including democracy, modernization, climate challenges in the process of maintaining sustainable growth and how to realize common prosperity through high-quality development, with the Chinese legislators. They also visited villages, factories, streets, museums and agricultural centers in different regions of China, taking a closer look at the development of the country from various aspects.

It was the first seminar held by the NPC Standing Committee for parliamentarians from the Pacific island countries. The program lasted until November 29, 2023.

Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said at the opening ceremony of the seminar that he hopes the activity will make contributions to deepening the mutual respect and development of China and the Pacific island countries by increasing exchanges and cooperation between their legislative bodies.

Papaliʻi Liʻo Oloipola Taeu Masipau, speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Independent State of Samoa, and other parliamentarians expressed their gratitude for China's long-standing selfless assistance and strong support to Pacific island countries. They also expressed appreciation for the seminar, which provided valuable opportunities for island country parliamentarians to draw lessons from China's experience in modernization.

Studies and communications

There are thousands of grassroots legislative outreach offices in China, and they function as communication channels between people and legislatures. At such an outreach office in Jingdezhen, a city in the eastern province of Jiangxi famous for its quality porcelain products, during their trip there as a part of the program, parliamentarians had a firsthand experience of Chinese democracy.

At the outreach office, a team of 76 information staff members was established, along with 15 community-based groups, each comprising 10 members. Their collective task involves conducting research, and collecting suggestions from the residents to ensure that legislative efforts and other initiatives truly represent the voices and aspirations of the broader public.

Residents were actively engaged in legislative consultations through various means, including face-to-face discussions, surveys and questionnaires. Efforts were made to ensure their direct involvement in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the use of digital platforms allowed for a more efficient and convenient collection of public feedback, enabling a broader range of voices to be heard. During their visits, the parliamentarians from Pacific island countries also listened to stories of people's congresses deputies.

"From Beijing to local communities, I've seen everyone dedicated to the same mission--democracy,”a Papua New Guinean legislator expressed. You directly transmit the opinions collected at the grassroots level to the central government, and you have established a democratic system that truly works.”

"The whole-process people's democracy begins with elections, and elected deputies are accountable to the people. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has implemented a well-developed system to listen to the opinions and suggestions of the people,” the legislator further stated. "China is a modern nation that effectively guarantees people's rights through institutional frameworks and laws, achieving remarkable accomplishments in people's democracy throughout the entire process of governance.”

The concept of whole-process people's democracy deeply resonated with a parliamentarian from Tonga.“From national leaders to the NPC deputies, China upholds a people-centric ideology, tirelessly working to improve the wellbeing of its citizens and bringing them benefits,” the parliamentarian remarked.“The people enjoy democratic rights and actively participate in major decision-making processes. The CPC, the government and the NPC prioritize listening to the people’s voices, actively seek opinions and suggestions, and willingly accept oversight. It is no wonder that China has achieved an astonishing combination of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. The introduction and implementation of whole-process people's democracy are truly compelling, both in theory and practice.”

During a discussion, one speaker made a captivating analogy between“democracyand "flowers,”leaving a lasting impression on the parliamentarians. The Tongan parliamentarian expressed, “Every country’s democracy is like a flower, never identical, which is deeply thought-provoking. It made me realize that the shape and appearance of a flower are rooted in its foundation, influenced by factors such as the region, soil and a nation’s history and culture. Actions speak louder than words, and in contrast to some distorted reports, I can assert with certainty that China possesses a genuine and distinctive form of democracy. China has successfully integrated democratic principles into its pursuit of Chinese-style modernization.”

Fruitful trips

During their trips in Beijing, Jiangxi and Fujian Province, parliamentarians witnessed the presence of green mountains and clear waters in abundance, demonstrating China’s determined efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote the development and utilization of renewable energy sources, produce electric vehicles, and establish an extensive network of tens of thousands of wind turbines for generating clean energy. China has set the dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

Addressing climate change is a major concern for Pacific island nations. Several parliamentarians have voiced their observations, stating,“China, in its pursuit of rapid and high-quality development, is also deeply committed to environmental conservation, actively addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The country is taking a leading position in renewable energy, energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and overall climate change response.”

During their visit to the China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, a leading institution in the research of fungi in China, the parliamentarians gained insight into the unique functionalities, growth characteristics and adoption status of fungi grass.“We hope that China can provide more scholarship opportunities for young students from Pacific island nations to pursue higher education in China,”the parliamentarian from Papua New Guinea said.

Similarly, legislators from the Solomon Islands and Tonga expressed their hope for China to send experts to introduce this valuable technology to more areas within island nations, assisting rural women and children in breaking free from poverty and improving their quality of life.

"Our visit to China has afforded us a profound insight into the nation’s path to modernization, the governing principles of the CPC, and its remarkable achievements. We have been greatly inspired,” Papaliʻi said. “One key factor contributing to China’s success lies in its steadfast adherence to a people-centered development philosophy, consistently placing development at the forefront. We are eager to learn from and draw upon China's experiences and accomplishments.”

The latest Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 is a blueprint for the world’s second-largest economy as it kicks off a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country.

China initiated its first five-year plan in 1953. Over the half-century, the country has achieved rapid development with many five-year plans performing as an important mechanism to guide the economic and social activities, one after another.

A Niuean legislator remarked that China’s practice of formulating multiple Five-Year Plans demonstrates its commitment to policy continuity, ensuring that established goals remain unchanged despite external factors. "They emphasized the paramount importance China places on prioritizing the wellbeing of its people," the legislator said.

In a mere span of 10 days, the legislators embarked on a journey in China, immersing themselves in travel and observations that continuously enhanced their comprehension of the country and shaped a fresh China perspective. They expressed their gratitude for the invaluable learning opportunity presented by the seminar, and intended to take back the experiences and lessons acquired to their respective countries, applying them to national governance and development. Moreover, they aspire to promote more dialogue and exchange with China, joining hands for mutual advancement and prosperity.