DATA released by China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Jan. 17 shows that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 reached a record 134.9084 trillion yuan (about $18.77 trillion), 5 percent higher than the previous year. The main goals and tasks of economic and social development were accomplished. When talking about how to evaluate China's economic performance in 2024, the NBS used the term 'hard-won' five times in a row, which shows that the 5-percent growth rate conveys a wealth of information. So how should we objectively view China's 5-percent economic growth?

Whether it's the 5-percent growth rate that is among the highest in the world's major economies, or the GDP exceeding 130 trillion yuan for the first time and sitting at second place globally, it is not easy to realize this achievement under the complex and severe situation of increasing external pressure and internal difficulties last year. And that makes this 'report card' even more inspiring. As NBS head Kang Yi said at a press conference, this means that China's economic strength, scientific and technological strength and comprehensive national power have leaped to a new level. It also means that the country's development is based on a firmer foundation, under better conditions as well as with more dynamism and greater resistance to risks.