The past 5 years: China's global leadership

In taking the China Daily survey, acknowledging China's greatest accomplishments over the past 5 years, I'm reminded of what I believe is China's greatest accomplishment. Especially as I see so many things in West unraveling and regressing, China has stepped up as the global leader for the world. China's greatest accomplishment is the global example of true leadership that it is showing, to the world.

Why do I say this and why do I believe it is true?

Well, I've had the chance to watch firsthand. Up close and personal. I've had a front row seat to see how it has developed.

I could begin by talking about the advancements right here in my city of Zhengzhou. I've watched roads built, the environment remarkably cleaner than 2011 when I arrived here. I've been amazed at the experience of watching education rise to a higher standard than 5 years ago. I'm truly amazed at the astounding progress that's been made.

I'm a proponent of the idea that 'everything rises and falls on leadership.' As we see the terrible events unfolding in America right now, at the same time, we see stability, growth and social harmony in China. Americans don't believe me when I report back to them the amazing advances that are being made, every day, here in China. They simply don't know China like I do.

I believe that President Xi possesses the essential qualities of true leadership that every nation, not only China, needs. I think his greatest asset is his character and his wisdom. He is a global leader, not by any kind of propaganda or promotion. He doesn't need that. But, by simply being the strong, wise, thoughtful, reflective leader that he is. I could only pray that America would have a leader that was half as good.

This survey is important. It is important because, first of all, the Chinese government wants to know. I think that they sincerely want to know. I think they want to know the thoughts, ideas and sentiments of the average person. I believe that they are truly interested in what people think in order to know how to lead them better. I believe that they are even interested in what I think and feel here as a foreigner.

I am happy that China Daily also shows leadership in leading this effort to discover what's going on in every day life for people. What an amazing way to let one's voice be heard. It is like President Xi himself is saying to the people of China (and to those of the world who truly know China), 'how are we doing? Are we doing good and if so, in what ways are we doing good?'

I'm honored to be here. I'm even more honored to share my honest, objective and candid thoughts with others, both in China, in America and around the world.

(Opinions of the writer in this blog don't represent those of China Daily.)