China's miracles to continue with CPC's leadership, says Bulgarian party leader

by Sun Yifei, Marian Draganov

SOFIA -- China has created and will continue to create development miracles because of the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said Alexandar Paunov, first secretary of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

"In my opinion, the Chinese miracle is mainly due to the leadership of the CPC because they found a model of development in this dynamic world," which is socialism with Chinese characteristics, Paunov told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

Paunov has visited China four times, with footprints in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Wuhan and other places. Each time he was amazed at the changes taking place in the country.

"I think China's miracle will continue in the future," he said.

The party leader noted that despite great challenges in the past year, the CPC has led the Chinese people to win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the shortest time possible and achieve positive economic growth thanks to the CPC's people-centered philosophy.

"The greatest wealth of a country is the people. The CPC led the Chinese people to win the fight against the epidemic, mainly because they always care about the people," he said.

The pandemic not only challenges the medical system, but also tests the administration of governments, he noted.

China has given the answer with its own successful practice and provided a reference for other countries in the world, he said.

Paunov, who was born in 1949, the same year in which China and Bulgaria set up diplomatic relations, said he hopes that he can see more cooperation between the two countries.

"If I have the chance, I want to go to China again," he said.

Video reporter: Sun Yifei; Video editor: Wu Yao