As the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) approaches, the would-be landmark event in the history of the ruling party of the world's largest developing country has already attracted increasing attention from across the world.

The following is a selection of quotes by foreign leaders and observers about the achievements China has made during the past five years under the CPC's leadership.

Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian president:

Over the past five years, China has become more closely connected to the rest of the world, while at the same time staying firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoting its culture globally.

"You are becoming one of the most decisive factors of the world culture, world communications, and that is something you need to be proud of."

Robert Hormats, vice chairman of Kissinger Associates, a New York-based international consulting firm:

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC, "has made remarkable progress in governing over the past five years."

"China's economy is now moving in the right direction on many levels," and a lot of uncertainties about the Chinese currency and financial system that occurred years ago have been addressed.

Maria Teresa Montes de Oca, director of the Institute of Chinese Studies at the University of Havana:

"In the technological sector, China has made great strides. Although the West wanted to stigmatize China, it has emerged and demonstrated to the world that it can be relied on for economic and technological development."

B.R. Deepak, professor at the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi:

"Externally, China's standing on the global stage has been consolidated and further enhanced."

Lee Hee-ok, professor of political science at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul:

Over the past five years, "China has achieved the modernization of its governance."

"What impresses me most is that President Xi Jinping presented signposts to a China-type governance."