When Ahmed Sheraz, a member of the Pakistan Tariff Commission, came across the Chinese proverb, "All living things should flourish without harming each other; all ways of life should thrive without hindering each other", in the fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, he paused to reflect.

"I was deeply inspired by the idea that everything in the universe can develop in its own way, follow its own laws and not hinder others," he said. "It is an approach that encourages coexistence and development for all, and is against confrontation."

He said the concept embodies the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity — a theme that runs throughout China's governance philosophy.

Sheraz expressed concern that many countries are turning away from multilateralism.

"Should we care only about ourselves, or work together for a better, shared future?" he asked, emphasizing that the challenges facing today's interconnected world cannot be solved by any one nation alone.

"The answer lies in China's philosophy of cooperation," he said.

Calling President Xi Jinping's global initiatives farsighted and constructive, Sheraz cited the Belt and Road Initiative as a prime example.

He said that China's efforts to help partner countries build roads, railways and ports "have made business easier and helped economies grow together".

He described the BRI as a model of win-win cooperation, a framework in which everyone benefits, not a zero-sum game where one side's gain is another side's loss.

China's reform and modernization, he said, have not only unleashed the country's own potential but also provided valuable lessons for others.

Calling China a "role model "for least-developed countries, Sheraz praised its progress in agriculture and science and technology, adding that these experiences should be shared more widely around the world.

Sheraz's views were echoed by Shaymaa Mahmoud Mahmoud Bayoumi, an Egyptian official responsible for investment and foreign trade, who also found fresh inspiration in the book.

The first volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China was published in 2014, and the series has since grown to five volumes, published in more than 40 languages and distributed in over 180 countries and regions. Both Chinese and English versions of the fifth volume were published in July.

"It's my first time reading the book," she said, adding that although it is a substantial work, she has "already grasped its essence".

"I was inspired by the focus on people — on inclusion, innovation and environmental awareness," Bayoumi said.

"Modernization in China is not only about material progress. It places people at the center, encourages collective effort, and emphasizes sustainability and harmony with nature."

Having visited China several times since 2000, Bayoumi said she has witnessed the country's steady and determined progress.

Recalling a conversation with a Chinese official years ago, she shared a metaphor that stayed with her.

"He told me the story of the rabbit and the tortoise," she said with a smile. "China chose to be the tortoise — moving forward step by step with a long-term vision. Coming back after all these years, I can truly see how remarkable that progress has been."

She added that the nation's transformation has brought benefits far beyond its borders.

Bayoumi also spoke highly of China's global vision.

Egypt, she said, shares similar aspirations through cooperation under the BRI, citing the Suez Canal Economic Zone as an example.

China is Egypt's largest trading partner and one of its fastest-growing investors.

Around 160 Chinese companies are now investing and operating in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

"Chinese investment in Egypt and across Africa has created more jobs and opportunities. This long-term strategy of inclusion and cooperation will make the world more prosperous in the future," Bayoumi said.

For Janeth Yovani Villegas Arteaga, an adviser to the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations of Peru, reading the fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China fulfilled a long-held wish.

"This is my first time holding a printed copy," she told China Daily during a symposium in Beijing.

"I already had the first four volumes back home in Peru, and now I've started reading the new one. I plan to take it home and share it with my family."

Mutual understanding

Although Peru and China are separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, Arteaga said, books like this serve as bridges for mutual understanding.

In her view, the series delivers a "clear and consistent message" of putting people first and pursuing win-win cooperation.

She attributed China's remarkable achievements in governance and modernization to its strong leadership and the perseverance of its people, suggesting that Peruvian leaders could learn from China's experience for inspiration.

"In just a few decades, China has moved far ahead," she said. "Once a poor country, it has eliminated extreme poverty, maintained social stability, safeguarded people's livelihoods, and made impressive technological progress."

Helio Assa-fay Varela Robalo, president of the Cape Verdean News Agency, said that China has become a global model for sustainable growth and social well-being, playing an increasingly vital role in global development, especially in Africa.

"China has been advancing skills training and technology transfer through educational and institutional partnerships," Robalo said. "In Cape Verde, China is a valued partner, investing significantly in fisheries, infrastructure, education, healthcare and sports."

"Similar forms of dynamic cooperation are taking place across many African nations, driving development and shared prosperity for all," he added.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn