Chinese Consul General in Sydney Wang Yu Publishes a Signed Article Entitled “Understanding the People-Centered Essence of China’s Governance Through the ‘Two Sessions’” on[...]

On 26 March, H.E. Consul General Wang Yu published a signed article entitled "Understanding the People-Centered Essence of China's Governance Through the 'Two Sessions'" in the local newspapers Australian Chinese Daily and Chinese Daily Herald. The full text is as follows:  

Driven by the same tide that shapes all governance - the needs of the people - China's "two sessions" (the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) serve as a vital platform for public input and consensus-building, and as a window for the world to observe China's vibrant development and whole-process people's democracy. Today, I would like to share some facts and observations on China's governance practice and its tangible impact.

People's wellbeing is consistently at the top of the agenda, with every initiative focusing on the aspirations of urban and rural communities and every detail addressing the concerns of the public. In 2025, the departments of the State Council adopted more than 4900 proposals from deputies and members, introducing over 2200 relevant policies and measures. This year, people's wellbeing remains a central focus, with "investing in people" emerging as a buzzword. Of the 5000 proposals from deputies and members nationwide, many bright ideas have been  translated into policies that benefit millions of households. The public's "wish list" has hence become the government's "action guide."

The Chinese government has consistently adhered to the philosophy of people-centered development. The report on the work of the government emphasizes that "Taking stronger measures to ensure and improve the people's wellbeing. The people's wellbeing must always come first. We should ensure that public services are inclusive, meet essential needs, and provide a cushion for people most in need, and we should make every effort to deliver more benefits to the people." A key outcome of this year's "two sessions" is the adoption of the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which includes a dedicated chapter on promoting high-quality population development. Among the 20 key indicators in the Plan, seven are related to people's wellbeing, accounting for more than one-third of the total. From protecting the rights of delivery workers to improving pensions for retirees, from repairing farmland irrigation systems to governing artificial intelligence, many proposals have been incorporated into the 15th Five-Year Plan, shaping China's development blueprint for the next five years.

A better life for the people is both the starting point and ultimate goal of Chinese modernization. The fruits of development are shared by all. China has established the world's largest systems for education, social security, and healthcare, with the consolidation rate of nine-year compulsory education, coverage of basic pension insurance, and participation in basic medical insurance all exceeding 95%. More than 328 million people receive monthly pensions, over 90% of households can reach the nearest medical facility within 15 minutes, and the average residential electricity price has remained stable at around 0.6 yuan per kilowatt-hour each quarter. High-speed rail now reaches 97% of cities with populations over 500000, and every county is connected by highway, every village by paved road. These achievements have steadily enhanced the people's sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.

Where the people voice their needs, the government responds. China's democratic system has motivated over 1.4 billion people to modernize the country. Whole-process people's democracy has been a rock-solid foundation for the effective governance of China. Although China and Australia have different systems and national conditions, the aspirations of our peoples for development and wellbeing are shared. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Australia and other partners to ride the spring tide of the 15th Five-Year Plan, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and common interests, serve people's livelihood, and build a better future together.