Xi talks on BRICS co-op, ties with Russia, South Africa

Xinhua News Agency: China is now the world's second largest economy. What change will this bring to the way China handles its relations with the rest of the world? You recently talked about achieving the Chinese Dream of the great renewal of the Chinese nation. What is China's dream for the world?

Xi Jinping: Thanks to over thirty years of reform and opening-up, China has achieved substantial progress in economic and social development and the Chinese people's lives have markedly improved. This is good for both China and the world. The Chinese people are patriotic. Yet we are also a people with a global vision and an international perspective. As its strength grows, China will assume more international responsibilities and obligations within the scope of its capabilities and make greater contribution to the noble cause of world peace and development.

It is true that China is now the world's second largest economy, but its per capita GDP remains much lower than the world average and there is still a long way to go before China can become rich and strong. Some people in the world worry that China will seek hegemony and bully others once it becomes strong. Such concerns are unnecessary. China has reaffirmed its solemn commitment to the international community many times that it will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and will never seek hegemony or expansion. To use a Chinese idiom, "A gentleman never goes back on his word." We mean what we say and what has happened shows that China has kept its word. In the meantime, we hope that all countries in the world will pursue peaceful development and work together to advance world peace and development.

The Chinese dream of realizing the great national renewal has been the long cherished dream of the Chinese people since modern times. After the Opium War in 1840, our nation was subjected to a century of foreign invasion and internal conflicts and our people endured untold sufferings and pain. The modern history of China is written with trials and tribulations. The Chinese people support the Chinese dream from the bottom of their hearts, because this dream is, first and foremost, a dream shared by the 1.3 billion people of China.

The Chinese people have valued the concept of harmony without sameness since ancient times. We hope that countries and civilizations will carry out exchanges on an equal footing, learn from each other and achieve common progress. We hope that people of all countries in the world can share the fruits of global advances in economy, science and technology and have their wishes respected, and all countries can make united efforts to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

Valor Economico of Brazil: You are the leader of China. The world is eager to know more about you. For example, how do you feel being the leader of a big country with 1.3 billion people? What is your daily work and life like? How much time do you get to spend with your family? Could you share with us your personal experiences and hobbies? Brazil will host the football World Cup next year. Which team do you think will win the cup?

Xi Jinping: During my meetings with some foreign leaders, they asked me in amazement: How to govern such a big country as China? Indeed, it is not easy to govern a country with 1.3 billion people. To get to know the situation is already a difficult task. I often say, it takes much effort to know China and it is not enough to just visit one or two places. China has 9.6 million square kilometers of land, 56 ethnic groups and 1.3 billion people. Thus, to get to know China, one needs to avoid the mistake of drawing conclusions based on partial information.

As an ancient Chinese proverb goes, "Prime ministers used to be lowly officials; great generals rise from the ranks." The system for selecting officials in China requires local work experience. For instance, I have worked in the rural areas as the Party branch secretary of a production team. I have also served in county, municipal, provincial and central governments. Extensive experience gained form working at the community-level enables an official to develop a people's perspective and know what the country is truly like and what the people need. To accumulate experience and professional knowledge and enhance skills and capabilities in the course of practice is essential to doing one's job well.

Much work needs to be done to meet people's daily necessities, ensure smooth running of the society and normal functioning of state organs, and build and manage the governing party. As the people have put me in this position, I must always put the people first and keep in mind the deep trust they have placed in me and my heavy responsibilities. To govern such a big country with so many people and so complex national conditions, we, the leaders of China need to be fully aware of China's reality and aspirations of the people, and treat our responsibilities with utmost care as if we are walking on thin ice or standing on the edge of an abyss. To quote a Chinese adage, "Governing a big country is as delicate as frying a small fish". We must never slacken our efforts or be negligent in the slightest way, and we must fully devote ourselves to our work. People are the source of our strength. As long as we stand with the people through thick and thin and work with them with one heart and one mind, there is nothing we can't conquer or accomplish.

As for my workload, you can imagine that being in a position like mine, one hardly has time to himself. There are so many things that I need to address. Naturally, I prioritize my tasks. Many hands make light work. Within the central leadership, we have an effective set of work mechanisms. We each have our own responsibilities and at the same time, we work together in concert to ensure that the job gets done and done well.

Although I am very busy, I try to find some leisure time. Whenever there is time, I would get together with my family.

I have many hobbies. I love reading most. Reading has become a way of life for me. I am also a sports fan. I like swimming and mountain climbing. I liked football and volleyball when I was young. I wish to congratulate Brazil on hosting the World Cup again. Unpredictability is what makes a sport match, especially a football match exciting. During the last World Cup, we had Paul the Octopus. I wonder if next year, there will be another octopus who can predict match results. The Brazilian team has the home-court advantage and I wish them good luck.