2017年CRI Foreign observers speak highly of Xi's 19th CPC National Congress report（在线收听）

A number of foreign observers have been keeping a close eye on the ongoing 19th CPC National Congress.

They hail China's development over the past five years and speak highly of the report presented by General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC to the opening of the Congress.

Our reporter Victor Ning has more.

Laotian Ambassador to China, Vandee Boutthasavong, says she is impressed by China's efforts in tackling poverty over the past five years.

"I especially noticed that China has attached great importance to poverty alleviation and has made impressive achievements. Our Laotian government also pays close attention to people's livelihood, as we strive to be removed from the list of least developed countries by 2020. I think China sets a good example for Laos in tackling poverty."

In the past five years, around 60 million Chinese have been lifted out of poverty. The report by General Secretary Xi Jinping to the opening of the ongoing National Congress points out that by 2020, all of China's rural residents are expected to be relieved from poverty.

The Laotian Ambassador also says China's foreign policy is of interest to her.

"Over the past five years, China's foreign policy has not only promoted the social and economic development of China, but also the peaceful development in the region and even the world. The Belt and Road initiative enhances cultural exchanges and economic cooperation along the routes. China has also launched the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund, hosted a series of international meetings like the Informal APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the G20 Summit and the 2017 BRICS summit. "

Boutthasavong believes all such accomplishments demonstrate that China's influence is increasing on the world stage.

Meanwhile, some other foreign observers say the world sees the efforts China has made in safeguarding global peace and promoting development.

Hiranya Lal Shrestha, former Nepalese ambassador to China echoes Boutthasavong's view about China's peaceful development. He says China's development is not a threat to the world, and no country should see it as such.

Xi Jinping's report made clear that China will never pursue development at the expense of others' interests. He said no matter what stage of development China reaches, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion.

At the same time, Wilson Lee Flores,a columnist of "The Philippine Star" newspaper, says the report indicates China's confidence in its own political system, which is also encouraging to many other Asian countries.

"China's institutional system is well worth learning from for many developing countries. Its success has proved to the world that Asian countries can work on our own way of development, instead of completely following the path of the western world."

Flores has also hailed the Belt and Road initiative, saying it will not only benefit China, but also play an active role in regional and world development.