Political figures, experts from S&SE Asia discuss on Xi’s book

"Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has a loyal readership in South and Southeast Asia. Some have traveled over 1,500 kilometers from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Yunnan specifically to present their friends in Yunnan with a Khmer-language version they translated, inscribed with the words "Respectfully presented as a token of the enduring friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China." Others have devoted ten years to translation, seeking to absorb its intellectual nourishment and find a path for their country's development.

As the "thinking gateway" to understanding China and the "golden key" to comprehending China's reform and development, Volume V of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," was published in 2025 for global distribution. The book embodies the latest theoretical achievements of the Communist Party of China in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. It fully reflects the wisdom and responsibility of the CPC in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Throughout 2025, YICC reporters interviewed eight political figures and experts from South and Southeast Asia. They stated that from this work, they see a more complete and comprehensive China, hear the footsteps of China's development more clearly, and gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese concept of "harmony in diversity" and the responsibility and vision of "establishing oneself and enabling others."

Chea Munyrith: The work contributes Chinese wisdom to the world

This year, a thematic book exhibition on important works by General Secretary Xi Jinping was jointly held in central Yunnan’s Kunming city by China International Communication Group and the Yunnan International Communication Center for South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian Chinese Evolution Researcher Association, attended the event, brought a special gift. He presented a Khmer-translated copy of Volume I of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," which he participated in translating, to his friends in Yunnan. On the title page, he inscribed: "Respectfully presented as a token of the enduring friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China!"

He possesses a profound understanding and special affection for this work and for China. "When introducing China's image to my family, friends, and students, the most frequently used keywords are integrity, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. These are high-frequency terms in 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' and they are also my impressions of China."

"President Xi Jinping's speeches clearly demonstrate the scientific system of China's national governance. The work quotes sayings from ancient Chinese philosophers like Laozi, Confucius, and Mencius, and by explaining the initiative to build a community with a shared future for mankind in accessible language, it allows readers to better understand the profound connotations of Chinese wisdom." At the book exhibition, he repeatedly browsed through Volume V of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and remarked, "It is filled with insights on how to use one's own development achievements to drive global development, providing an excellent compendium of experiences for countries worldwide. Nations can translate it into their own languages and draw valuable governance experience from it."

In Chea Munyrith's view, the Chinese saying "Gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity," and the values of friendship and win-win cooperation expounded in the work, precisely tell countries to seek common ground while reserving differences and respect each other in order to achieve common prosperity. This also aligns highly with Cambodia's development philosophy and the "Pentagonal Strategy." Promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and advancing social modernization on the basis of peace and multilateralism are also important themes that Chea Munyrith has consistently focused on and studied.

"I hope that through the work 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' more people will understand Chinese wisdom and jointly build a better world." As an envoy of friendship between the two countries, Chea Munyrith will continue to conduct in-depth research and translation work, contributing to promoting exchanges and cooperation between both sides.

By Shen Yan and Han Chengyuan

Duong Van Huy: The wisdom of "harmony" inspires the way to coexistence

"Initially, I learned about the basic content of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' through mainstream Chinese media. Later, when I had the opportunity to attend an academic seminar in China, I specifically went to a bookstore and purchased the first four volumes," recalled Duong Van Huy, Director of the Vietnam-China Relations Research Center at the Institute for Asia-Pacific Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, reminiscing about his "encounter" with this work.

Duong Van Huy said that during his reading, he was particularly impressed by a passage mentioned in Volume I of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China": "Mankind has only one Earth, and all countries share one world. Common development forms an important foundation for sustainable development and serves the long-term and fundamental interests of people in all nations. We live in the same global village; we should firmly foster a sense of community with a shared future for mankind, follow the trend of the times, grasp the right direction, adhere to mutual assistance, and continuously advance the development of Asia and the world to new levels."

In today's world, geopolitical conflicts are erupting in many regions, while unilateralism and protectionism surge as countercurrents. Against this backdrop, he noted that China, as the world's largest developing country, has proposed and taken the lead in implementing multiple initiatives to promote world peace and development, driving the world towards increasing interconnection and interdependence. "Among these, China's proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind aligns with the international community's desire to maintain and promote global peace, stability, and prosperity. Only by adhering to peaceful cooperation can countries achieve win-win outcomes."

"The Chinese also often say, 'Gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity.' We know that the world is not composed of a single country; it consists of multinational states coexisting, diverse cultures blending, and each nation having its own development path, political system, and historical traditions. Today's world is diverse, and countries must respect these differences. No country has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of others. 'Harmony in diversity' accurately interprets the essential characteristics and development direction of today's world," Duong Van Huy said.

In his view, each country has its own development path. China, as a civilization system distinctly different from Western civilization, adheres to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Chinese modernization also presents a development picture different from the Western modernization model. This is a unique Chinese wisdom and also brings inspiration to the development of Vietnam and neighboring countries. "Countries around the world influence each other through exchanges and mutual learning, yet they retain their own unique value systems. Precisely because of this, the pattern of pluralistic coexistence in today's world has formed. We can draw inspiration from 'harmony in diversity' and steadfastly promote the trend of the times towards peace, friendship, harmonious development, and win-win cooperation."

By Li Ling and Han Chengyuan

Vansay Davanh: Envisioning a future of shared values

"Whether it is President Xi Jinping's statement that 'a single flower does not make a beautiful spring, only a hundred flowers in full bloom can bring spring to the world,' or President Kaysone Phomvihane's saying that 'the Lao people should bloom like flowers in a garden,' these words together convey the concept of harmonious coexistence and mutual flourishing," remarked Vansay Davanh, former Deputy Minister of Propaganda and Editor-in-Chief of Pasaxon Newspaper, Laos, who has visited China multiple times.

Vansay believes that China's proposal of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" is the practical embodiment of these profound insights. This concept responds to the questions of the world, history, and our times, advocating unity, cooperation, and common development, and is increasingly becoming an international consensus.

"Guided by the Laos-China community with a shared future, our good neighbors are drawing closer and becoming more intimate," Vansay pointed out. The China-Laos Railway is a key achievement of this concept, helping Laos transform from a "land-locked country" to a "land-linked country," significantly promoting trade, employment, and tourism development. A series of people-benefiting projects, including Luang Prabang Hospital, the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway, and the Laos Railway Technical College, have been steadily advanced, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries and vividly illustrating the profound meaning of the Laos-China community with a shared future.

"I deeply admire China's theory and practice," Vansay said, expressing his strong impression of China's rapid development, which he often shares with colleagues and family. He believes that China has not only made significant achievements in poverty alleviation, technology, and cultural preservation, but has also consistently played an active role in the international community, advocating peaceful coexistence, unity, and mutual assistance, and working to promote a more balanced and effective global governance architecture. As a Lao media professional, he frequently introduces China's development experience and cultural stories to the Lao people for their reference and application.

He emphasized Yunnan's special role in Laos-China cooperation and expressed gratitude for Yunnan's long-term support and assistance to Laos in various fields. "Media cooperation between Laos and Yunnan has continued for many years, with news and information sharing and frequent personnel exchanges, truly achieving regular interaction."

Looking ahead, Vansay called for further deepening of comprehensive strategic cooperation between Laos and China, particularly in areas such as rule of law, anti-corruption, technology, environmental protection, and cultural heritage, to help Laos enhance governance capacity and achieve green development. He firmly believes that with the joint efforts of both sides, the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future will surely create a better future for the people of both countries. "I very much look forward to the early publication of the Lao-language version of Volume V of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' so that the Lao people can gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese concepts within."

By Yao Chengcheng, Han Chengyuan, and Yang Chunmei

Liu Qi: Facilitating mutual learning among civilizations

"Today, as the future and destiny of all countries are closely intertwined, the inclusive coexistence, exchanges, and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing the modernization of human society and enriching the garden of world civilizations." This statement by President Xi Jinping resonated deeply with Liu Qi, Executive Director, Associate Professor, and Ph.D. of the Thailand Research Center at Changzhou University. She shared that she is both a witness to and a beneficiary of the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Thai civilizations.

Liu Qi is a Thai-born Chinese who grew up in Thailand. With the help of the Consulate General of China in Chiang Mai, she applied for and secured an opportunity to pursue further studies at Beijing Language and Culture University. After graduation, she returned to work at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, teaching Chinese language and culture to local students. Later, she fell in love with and married a Chinese national. Today, the couple works together at Changzhou University.

Liu Qi introduced that in 2013, the Consulate General of Thailand in Shanghai collaborated with Changzhou University to establish the Thailand Research Center at the university. The center is dedicated to fostering educational and cultural exchanges between China and Thailand and promoting civilizational dialogue between the two countries. The Consulate General of Thailand in Shanghai and Changzhou University also jointly organize the "Thai Culture Day" event, which has been held for seven sessions to date. "During each event, Chinese and Thai students interact and exchange ideas, appreciate Thai dance performances, savor Thai cuisine, and discuss their future plans together. These wonderful scenes are particularly unforgettable to me."

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, celebrated as the "Golden 50 Years of China-Thailand Friendship." In Liu Qi's view, by establishing broader and multi-level exchange mechanisms, China and countries like Thailand continue to engage in various forms of exchange and cooperation. This effectively promotes mutual learning among civilizations and advances the building of a community with a shared future for mankind in a deeper and more substantial manner.

She noted that in today's world, advocating for the inclusive coexistence and mutual learning of civilizations holds special significance for our times. In an era of rapid development in artificial intelligence and information technology, what the world needs are bridges of communication, not towering walls of division; it needs enhanced understanding, not widened differences; it calls for the promotion of cooperation, not the creation of confrontation. "Both the interactions between our two countries and my personal experiences tell me that the people of China and Thailand share a close bond and a profound historical connection. On such a solid foundation, I believe that through our increasingly close exchanges, we can jointly create a better future."

By Liu Ziyu, Han Chengyuan, Shu Wen, and Cai Meng

U Win Tin: China's development experience worth learning

"A work that charts the course for China also illuminates neighboring countries," said U Win Tin, Editor-in-Chief of Myanmar's Northern Star Weekly, with deep emotion in his words.

U Win Tin was highly attentive while visiting the thematic book exhibition on important works by General Secretary Xi Jinping. He picked up the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" with focused interest. He remarked that flipping through the work brought back memories of his efforts over the past decade to promote the dissemination of this book series in Myanmar.

Having visited China multiple times for study tours and exchanges, U Win Tin has long observed and gained a profound understanding of China's politics, economy, and culture. Around 2015, at the China International Publishing Group, he first saw the English version of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" through a glass display case, which sparked his idea to translate it into Burmese.

"My persistence stems from the fact that this work charts a clear and feasible development path for China," he stated. Chinese modernization offers a new alternative for the vast number of developing countries, expanding new, broad horizons for human society, and holds significant referential value for Myanmar.

From the first to the fourth volume, U Win Tin has studied the works repeatedly. Important discourses in the books, such as "we must adhere to a people-centered approach" and "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," resonated deeply with him. "These concepts originate from President Xi's extensive grassroots experience and profound governance practices, not only guiding China's continuous development but also contributing Chinese wisdom to the world," he said.

Amid the current complex international landscape, U Win Tin pays particular attention to issues of world peace and development and looks forward to gaining new insights from the fifth volume. He highly agrees with President Xi Jinping's global governance initiative, proposed at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" meeting, which advocates core principles such as upholding sovereign equality, adhering to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, promoting a people-centered approach, and emphasizing action-oriented outcomes. "This initiative provides a Chinese solution to addressing global governance challenges," he said, adding that countries should cease disputes and suspicions, treat each other as equals, respect differences, and join hands in safeguarding peace.

What convinces U Win Tin the most is that China itself is both a practitioner and beneficiary of this philosophy. He marvels at the rapid development China has achieved in a peaceful environment. "Every time I visit China, the most striking impression is the constant change and progress. Whether it's the urban landscape, infrastructure, or the living standards of the people, all are continuously advancing and improving," he sincerely noted. "China's achievements prove that peace and development complement each other. I want to tell my fellow Myanmar citizens: if we seek sustainable prosperity, China is a deserving example for us."

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. U Win Tin arrived not only with aspirations to promote media cooperation between the two countries but also brought his new poetry collection, "75 Years of Myanmar-China Diplomacy: A Record of the Journey of Friendship." In his poem, he writes: "We coexist in peace, standing shoulder to shoulder, opening our doors, upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. With sincerity and respect as the foundation, as close as family, China and Myanmar are of one heart."

By Guo Yao and Han Chengyuan

Inam Ahmed: The book is a window for the world to understand China

During an exclusive interview with our reporter, Inam Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Standard in Bangladesh, shared his connection with "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and discussed his observations on China's development, the global situation, and the prospects for China-Bangladesh cooperation.

Inam recalled that many years ago, he received the English version of the second volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" from the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. The content in the work, such as securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, advancing law-based governance in all respects, resolutely implementing the new development philosophy, and promoting international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, left a deep impression on him.

"While facing challenges in the complex international environment, China has always adhered to an independent approach in advancing its modernization. This path has not only achieved its own development but also provided important insights for countries in the 'Global South,'" he said.

Speaking about the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," Inam noted that the development philosophy embodied in the work holds significant practical relevance for Bangladesh. It opens a window for the people of Bangladesh and the world to better understand China's wisdom, ideas, and solutions.

Inam has visited Kunming, Yunnan, twice and was deeply captivated by the clear blue skies, white clouds, and lush greenery. He remarked that the pace of China's development in clean energy, especially the widespread adoption of new energy vehicles, is admirable. Bangladesh is also planning to introduce new energy buses and looks forward to cooperating with China in this field.

"Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We should work hand in hand to promote harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, jointly build a community of all life on Earth, and create a clean and beautiful world," he quoted from the work, adding that China's green development path and accumulated experiences are particularly worthy of study for Bangladesh, which is striving to advance its modernization.

Amid the current intertwined changes and turbulence in the international situation, Inam was deeply moved by the statement in the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China": "The world is big enough to accommodate the common development and common progress of all countries. Different civilizations can fully embrace and complement each other through mutual learning and exchange on an equal footing." He believes that China advocates an inclusive and mutually learning model of international engagement, which is precisely what the world urgently needs today.

By Wang Jingzhong and Han Chengyuan

Indrananda Abeysekara: Learning China's experience through Xi’s book

"I believe 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' is a significant intellectual achievement for both China and the world," said Indrananda Abeysekara, President of the Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation Association. He shared that he read the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" several years ago and was delighted to hear about the publication of the fifth volume this year. Through reading the works, he has gained a deeper understanding of Chinese modernization and China's foreign relations.

Abeysekara first visited China in 1987. Since then, he has visited China almost every year, making many Chinese friends and witnessing a China that has experienced rapid economic development, sustained social stability, continuous improvement in people's living standards, and deepening openness to the world.

"During my first visit to China, many friends recommended that I purchase imported foreign goods. However, in recent visits, I’ve noticed that Chinese brands are becoming increasingly prominent. These brands not only offer good quality but are also reasonably priced," Abeysekara recalled. He mentioned that every time he visits China, he brings back Chinese products as souvenirs for his family and friends.

While reading "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," Abeysekara came across many of China's development concepts, but what left the deepest impression on him was the "people-centered development philosophy."

"Sri Lanka is a developing country. We need to learn from China’s development concepts and experiences to ensure that development benefits more people, and 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' is the best resource for this," he said. He hopes that more of President Xi Jinping’s works will be translated into Sinhala so that Sri Lankan political parties and the people can learn from the successful experience of Chinese modernization.

"The world is not entirely peaceful; it needs peaceful development," Abeysekara emphasized. He noted that "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" not only charts the course for a country’s economic and social development but also provides answers on how nations can coexist harmoniously. "If countries can follow the concept of 'harmony in diversity' conveyed in 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' they can coexist more harmoniously and achieve win-win cooperation."

By Zu Hongbing

Nirmala Sharma: Using the book as a key to understand China

"Understanding China can begin with one book," said Nirmala Sharma, President of the Nepal Federation of Journalists.

As the first female president in the organization's seventy-year history, she has consistently paid close attention to China's development and governance practices, describing Nepal-China relations with the phrase "gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity"—not seeking complete sameness, but achieving mutual success through differences.

Sharma said she has read the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and was most impressed by the journey of national construction presented in the book: "It authentically shows how a country achieves leapfrog development through consensus-building, which has greatly benefited me."

In the newly published fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," Sharma particularly agrees with the proposition of "pooling the strength of the 'Global South' to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind." "President Xi emphasized, 'It is precisely because countries have different histories, cultures, and systems that we need to exchange and learn from each other, complement each other's strengths, and make progress together.' This is not just a concept but a feasible path."

Through reading "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," Sharma sees a China that excels at translating ideas into practice—efficiently organized, rapidly developing, and particularly skilled in the systematic construction of infrastructure, technology, and public services. Additionally, China has a vibrant development environment that emphasizes talent cultivation and provides valuable opportunities for young people. "Many Nepalese youth choose to study and work in China, learning Chinese and broadening their horizons."

She candidly stated that for Nepal's development, China's experience is not a template to be copied wholesale but an important reference. Just as the concept of "harmony in diversity" suggests, the two countries can complement each other through differences and achieve win-win outcomes through cooperation.

Currently, Sharma has prioritized Nepal-China media cooperation within her organization. She particularly appreciates the orientation of Chinese media to "focus on people's lives and convey the voices of the people." Citing Chinese media's in-depth reporting on agriculture and people's livelihoods as examples, she pointed out that Nepalese media urgently need to expand their reporting perspectives and develop richer media formats.

She hopes to promote mutual visits and learning between journalists from both countries, enabling more Nepalese media professionals to "truly come to China, see for themselves, learn, and reflect."

As the interview drew to a close, Sharma sincerely remarked: "President Xi is a visionary and capable leader. His work has helped me understand the logic and warmth behind China's development, and it also provides valuable insights for developing countries like Nepal."

By Guo Yao and Han Chengyuan

Sources: Yunnan Daily; Photos in these articles, unless otherwise credited, were provided by the interviewees.