2023 is coming to an end, and this year is full of challenges and opportunities for China. Against the backdrop of the complex and volatile international situation and the arduous tasks of domestic epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, China has persisted in coordinating and promoting epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and has achieved remarkable results.
But at the same time, we must also be soberly aware that China is still facing many difficulties and problems, and we need to be prepared to meet future changes. According to the latest data and information, we can foresee three major shifts in the country in the next two months.
The domestic economic growth is slowing down, and transformation and upgrading are imminent
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the GDP in the third quarter of 2023 increased by 6.7% year-on-year after preliminary accounting. Among them, the growth rate was 8.1% in the first quarter, 7.9% in the second quarter, and 4.5% in the third quarter. Compared with the previous two quarters, the GDP growth rate in the third quarter fell significantly and was lower than market expectations.
There are many reasons for this. On the one hand, due to the complex and changeable international environment since the beginning of this year, the recurrence of global epidemics, the rise of trade protectionism, and the fluctuation of energy prices, it has had an adverse impact on domestic foreign trade exports and raw material imports.
On the other hand, due to domestic structural problems, such as overcapacity, environmental pollution, financial risks, real estate bubbles, etc., the high-quality development of the domestic economy is restricted. On the other hand, due to domestic policy adjustments, such as strengthening epidemic prevention and control, implementing normalized management, promoting carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and regulating the real estate market, there is a certain pressure on the short-term growth of the domestic economy.
In the face of the reality of slowing economic growth, we must not be pessimistic and disappointed, nor can we be blindly optimistic, but we must remain sober and calm, and realize that this is the inevitable process of the transformation of the domestic economy from high-speed growth to high-quality development, and it is also a necessary condition for the domestic economy to adapt to the new stage of development, implement the new development concept, and build a new development pattern.
The aging of the domestic society is intensifying, and the problem of old-age care needs to be solved urgently
According to data released by the National Health Commission, as of the end of September 2023, China's elderly population aged 60 and above has reached 280 million, accounting for 19.8% of the total population, of which the elderly population aged 65 and above has reached 190 million, accounting for 13.4% of the total population. From the perspective of aging, China has entered a deeply aging society.
There are many reasons for this. On the one hand, it is due to the domestic population policy, such as family planning, the comprehensive two-child liberalization, the three-child liberalization, etc., which have affected the domestic population structure and birth rate. On the other hand, due to the improvement of the country's medical and health standards and social security system, the life expectancy and health level of the country's population have been improved.
On the other hand, due to the economic and social changes in China, such as urbanization, family miniaturization, and changes in the concept of child support, etc., it has affected the domestic family structure and pension model. In the face of the reality of the intensification of social aging, we cannot turn a blind eye or respond passively, but must be proactive and realize that this is the inevitable result of domestic social development and an important symbol of domestic social progress.
We need to put the people first, focus on ensuring and improving people's livelihood, and aim to build a harmonious society, so as to promote the high-quality development of domestic society.
Domestic scientific and technological innovation breakthroughs, leading the world's development
According to the data released by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, in the first three quarters of 2023, a series of major achievements have been made in domestic scientific and technological innovation, demonstrating the strong strength and vitality of domestic scientific and technological innovation.
These include: in the field of quantum information, China has successfully realized the two-way quantum key distribution between quantum communication satellites and ground stations, breaking the international technical barriers and laying the foundation for the construction of a global quantum Internet.
In the field of aerospace, China successfully launched the Tianwen-1 probe, realized the three-step landing patrol of Mars orbit, and left domestic footprints on the surface of Mars for the first time. In the field of biomedicine, China has successfully developed inactivated vaccines against new coronavirus variants, which has effectively improved the protective effect and adaptability of vaccines, and contributed to the global fight against the epidemic.
In the field of artificial intelligence, China has successfully developed the upgraded version of the supercomputer "Sunway Taihu Light", which has set a new record for the world's fastest supercomputer and provided strong support for the application and development of artificial intelligence.
These scientific and technological innovation achievements not only demonstrate the level and ability of domestic scientific and technological innovation, but also provide a strong impetus and support for domestic economic and social development. We must realize that scientific and technological innovation is the primary driving force for development, and the fundamental guarantee for achieving national prosperity, national rejuvenation, and people's happiness.
epilogue
The slowdown in domestic economic growth, the intensification of social aging, and breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation are the three major changes that may occur in China at the end of 2023, and they are also the three major challenges and opportunities that China faces in the new stage of development.
We must adhere to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, adhere to the new development concept, adhere to the requirements of high-quality development, promote the comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development of domestic economy, society and science and technology, and make unremitting efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.