photo taken on November 6, 2022 shows a wall displaying photos of smiling people at an exhibition themed "Forging Ahead in the New Era," which showcases China's achievements and development over the last decade, at the Beijing Exhibition Center. Photo: VCG
As the International Workers' Day, which falls on May 1, approaches, a grand gathering was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and honor model workers and exemplary individuals.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered an important speech. He congratulated the honorees and extended his greetings to workers, farmers, intellectuals and other working people from all ethnic groups, as well as to trade unions and their staff at all levels.
Xi also expressed earnest expectations for the Chinese working class and the broad masses of workers as they forge ahead on a new journey and contribute to the new era. In this new era, Chinese workers, through their spirit of hard work, struggle, innovation and breakthrough, have not only laid a solid foundation for China's development and advancement, but also contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to the world.
The world is currently undergoing profound changes. However, Chinese workers are using their hands to write a new chapter of hard work and perseverance in the new era. Just looking at the industrial and agricultural sectors: China has maintained its position as the world's largest manufacturing country for 15 consecutive years, with its share of global manufacturing value added rising from 20 percent in 2010 to 34 percent in 2024. More importantly, China's manufacturing sector continues to show strong growth potential. In agriculture, China has achieved 21 consecutive years of good harvests, with grain output reaching a record high of 1.4 trillion jin (706.5 million tons) in 2024.
The per capita grain availability stands at 500 kilograms, far exceeding the internationally recognized food security line of 400 kilograms. All of this "was not a windfall, nor were it given in charity by others. It comes from the hard work, wisdom and courage of all members of the Party and the people of all ethnic groups in China."
In recent years, whether it is the expansion of the high-speed rail network, or leadership in 5G technology; whether it is the rise of the new energy industry, or breakthroughs in artificial intelligence - these impressive achievements that have captured global attention all stem from the relentless pursuit and exceptional talent of Chinese workers. With extraordinary perseverance and extraordinary craftsmanship, they shine in their respective roles, not only driving the upgrading and transformation of China's industries, but also making an irreplaceable contribution to global economic prosperity.
Especially in today's era of severe global economic turbulence, "Made in China" continues to demonstrate remarkable vitality. Behind this resilience lies the quiet dedication of hundreds of millions of Chinese workers, who ensure the stable output of Chinese products and make "Made in China" synonymous with credibility and quality - setting a global example of win-win cooperation in economic development.
From a global perspective, the spirit, strength, and sense of responsibility embodied by Chinese workers in the new era are providing the world with uplifting energy. Under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese workers have contributed not only to the construction of grand, iconic infrastructure projects such as bridges, railways, and ports, but also to "small but beautiful" livelihood projects in agriculture, water access, and skills training. From Chinese hybrid rice printed on Madagascar's banknotes, to more than 500 wells drilled in Egypt's desert, to children in remote Kenyan villages using solar panels made in China, Chinese workers have formed close connections with the world.
More importantly, they are increasingly offering the world valuable public goods - not just the spirit of hard work, unity, and perseverance, but also exemplary values such as openness, cooperation, mutual benefit, and shared development.
Today, while certain country wields tariffs and push for "decoupling," history will ultimately prove that no policy that goes against economic principles can outmatch the resilience forged by laborers' sweat. As shipping containers pile up in US ports, left untouched due to soaring transportation costs driven by "port fees," Chinese workers are striving to keep the global supply chain running with their tireless effort. While Western companies face shutdown crises from broken supply links, Chinese laborers, with their wisdom and efficiency, have made "Made in China" a stabilizing anchor that helps the ship of the global economy sail steadily forward under heavy load.
Amid the headwinds of economic globalization and intensifying geopolitical rivalry, Chinese workers are creating miracles with their own hands, bringing certainty to the turbulent process of economic globalization. In this sense, Chinese workers are not only creating material wealth, but also embodying a deeper civilizational value: one that respects the value of every pair of hands, cherishes every effort made, and believes that labor is the bridge between the past and the future.
While certain country still views labor value through the lens of tariffs, Chinese workers are building better lives through hard work and contributing to the well-being of humanity, demonstrating that the true value of labor lies in creation, not exploitation, and in sharing, not monopolizing.
Today, in the name of global development, we pay tribute to Chinese workers, honoring the most inspiring force of our time - a force that shows the world that nothing can stand in the way of humanity's pursuit of a better life, and nothing can shake the truth that the future is created by hard work.
This is the gift that Chinese workers offer to the world.
By Global Times
