Editor's Note:

Since the publication of the first volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China in 2014, the book has garnered widespread recognition globally, becoming a key resource for political figures, scholars, and experts in many countries. It stands as the leader's work with the most published languages, the widest coverage, and the greatest global influence, opening a "window of thought" for understanding China in the new era.

To offer global audiences deeper insights into Xi Jinping: The Governance of China and the key concepts it contains, including perspectives on development, civilization, security, human rights, ecology, international order, and global governance, the Global Times is launching the "Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" series. Through themed columns such as "Scholars' Perspectives," "Translators' Voices," "Practitioners' Insights," and "Readers' Reflections," this series will feature perspectives from Chinese and international scholars, translators of the work, practitioners of its concepts, and overseas readers. It aims to share what they have seen and understood about China's philosophy, values, and wisdom through the book.

For the first installment of the "Readers' Reflections" column, we invite Zoon Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani researcher and journalist based in Beijing, to share her insights from reading the volume 4 of the book and her perspective on China's democratic system.

Zoon Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani researcher and journalist based in Beijing

During reading Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, I felt China's whole-process people's democracy is unique as a model of governance; it is responsive, effective, and focused on achieving results from a genuinely people-centered perspective. The country's democratic system emphasizes dialogue, results, accountability, and grassroots participation. It's a "living democracy."

Having lived in China since 2015 and studying and working as an international relations researcher and journalist, I have had the opportunity to visit numerous rural villages, urban communities, and legislative bodies. I found there is a deep focus on tangible improvements in people's lives. Government officials in local communities are responsible for bringing sensible improvements through not only their expertise but also by engaging with the people, and this is a significant difference.

We foreigners are here in China because we see opportunity, progress and a welcoming environment. We have also been involved in visiting different areas of the country and having our suggestions on improvements heard by the governments. Everyone who lives here has a space to contribute, regardless of their background or age.