Chongqing - Bridging News interviewed Jerry Grey, a British bicycle traveler residing in Zhongshan, Guangdong during the Two Sessions period. He works as a social media commentator known for his analyses of Western media coverage of China.
Grey believes that Western media frequently distorts China's image, despite its apparent success when experienced firsthand.
"What the West says is negative is usually not negative in terms of the perspective of reality. So that's how I try to change the balance of the misunderstanding and the misinformation that's coming out. It's quite deliberate. It can't be a mistake," he said.
Although not an economics expert, he takes a keen interest in China's development. He eagerly follows the government work report during the Two Sessions.
Grey notes that the 2024 government work report mirrors the goals and visions of 2023, indicating a year of "stabilization." A 5% growth target is deemed as a "good goal," though lower than double-digit rates from a decade ago. Grey also sees promise in the proposed one trillion yuan of ultra-long-term special government bonds to aid China's economic recovery.
Grey acknowledges challenges like the aging population, unemployment, and real estate issues, but refrains from labeling them as "crises." He looks forward to China's efforts to stimulate the consumer sector, given the high savings rate among ordinary citizens, which could enhance economic growth.
(Fan Hongyi, as an intern, contributed to the video production)