Former ABC VP: Five key moments of China crucial to the world in 2023｜My Memory of China

By Lin Zhuowei

(ECNS)—“Another keyword is phoenix that China and the world has risen from the challenges of Covidafter a very trying three-year period,” said Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow of Center for China & Globalization and former Vice President of ABC Television, in an exclusive interview with China News Network at the turn of a new year. He added that China led an onward and upward journey in 2023. 

In a summary of key moments crucial to both China and the world in the passing year, he highlighted five of them, namely the U.S.-China leaders’ summit meeting, COP28,

the fifteenth annual BRICS summit, the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and the 2023 China International Import Expo. 

China in 2023: “onward and upward”

Reflecting upon 2023, Dzodin cited “phoenix” and “onward and upward” as two keywords of China in the passing year. 

As China restarts the economy,he compared it to a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The year 2023 has also borne witness to an increase in high-level interaction between the U.S. and China. Dzodin believes that the two world powers are ushering in a new page of a better relationship in their “onward and upward” journey. 

China in 2023：Five key moments

In particular, five key events caught his attention in 2023. They are vital not only for China but also for the whole world, noted Dzodin. 

First is the U.S.-China leaders’ summit meeting held in San Francisco this November.

The meeting unfolded against the backdrop of frustrations in the bilateral relationship, has not only met the expectations of some keen observers but also laid a solid foundation for better Sino-U.S. relations and a return of the two to international cooperation on issues concerning humanity.

Second is the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, held from November to December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

As growing extreme weather conditions add more urgency to climate discussions, the conference is a mix of both good and bad news in Dzodin’s opinion. “(The parties) finally agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels, but with no action plan to do so.”

Dzodin also mentioned the fifteenth annual BRICS summit held in Johannesburg this August.

This meeting witnessed the significant transition of the BRICS to BRICS Plus to include six more countries, which is the first expansion of the mechanism in 12 years.

The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing this October also draws Dzodin’s attention, with representatives from more than 150 countries and 40 international organizations at the forum.

According to Dzodin, when the Belt and Road Initiative was initially launched ten years ago, many in the West had cast doubts on it. Now, ten years later, China has won wide approval with substantial outcomes.

Another big event is the 2023 China International Import Expo held in Shanghai this November.

At the massive exhibition, Dzodin recalled seeing the largest-ever U.S. delegation for years. 

China’s stories recounted by an expat

Having been an active figure in media outlets and a writer of a book about China in the past year, Dzodin said he endeavored to offer his insights into China, where he lived for almost 35 years, to foreigners who know little about this country. 

“Seeing is believing,” he expects more to go visit China and experience the Chinese culture and economic miracle for themselves.

“The best way to predict the future is actually to invent it.”

Speaking of 2024, he expects more innovation efforts to be made by China in AI, green tech, and other areas, which he believes will drive economic growth both within and outside of China.