The 19th CPC National Congress introduced Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. How do you think it will guide China's future?

General Secretary Xi Jinping's remarks represent the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. In practical terms, it means the Communist Party of China will keep focusing on development, both in the economic and social sense. The fact the new Thought has been enshrined in the CPC Constitution gives further importance to these guidelines, which enriches previous theories (Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, The Thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development). Xi stressed a "new era" in his remarks, so I think the whole country will be called to strive for further overall growth to reach the goal of an stronger and richer China.

General Secretary Xi Jinping said China has embarked on a "new era" in its development while spelling out a two-stage development plan. What do you think of that? What is happening in China that impresses you most?

Well, the future is key, and as I said, the focus is on the "new era". Since Mao Zedong called on the Chinese people to "stand up", the country has slowly overcome past internal contradictions and a global lack of understanding. Deng Xiaoping showed the huge potential in transforming Chinese culture into a world power. In Xi's view, the next steps are the most complex and important. This is why he chose to outline a two-stage plan, so that you can always learn and change course according to real-time experiences. I visited China for the first time in 1985. What can I say? Never in world history has a country accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Simply astonishing.

Xi has pledged to develop a modern economy. What are your expectations for that?

Let's say that China already has a modern economy: it is a global investor, well set in the world of e-commerce, and a global player. You can travel the country at the fastest speed possible by train. Cities like Shanghai have already stepped into the future and are world-class centers. My expectations? I expect China to become a compass for the entire international community.

China's is still the world's fastest-growing economy, and millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. What do you feel has been the key to such achievements? And what do you think of the Chinese development model?

Everything changed when Deng Xiaoping decided it was time to unleash the immense, hidden energies of the Chinese people. China has been a model culture and the center of the world for centuries. Everything was already there－it just needed to be set free. What do I think about China's development model? Simply that if it's good for the Chinese people, we need not say another word.

China has been making efforts to reform and develop the global governance system. How do you think China's experience and wisdom can benefit countries and people around the world?

The world is going through a very unstable time－partly due to economic woes, and partly because of other powers' political choices. Today, we have only one place where stability rules and the economy has all the reasons to grow steadily: China. Yes, China can do more to help the world stabilize. And I have no doubt whatsoever that under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping it will faithfully fulfill its commitments.