According to experts, Chinese modernization broadens the opportunities for developing countries to achieve growth and development and offers a Chinese solution for exploring a better social system for humanity.
BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Many scholars and politicians worldwide advocate China's path to modernization, showcasing the appeal of a Chinese model, especially for developing countries.
DIFFERENT PATH TO MODERNIZATION
Modernization has a history of about 500 years, while the theory of modernization has only a short history, roughly 70 years, to which China has made significant theoretical contributions, Jin Ge, assistant to the director of the Institute of Area Studies at Peking University, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
For a long time, modernization was synonymous with Westernization. Many countries, especially developing countries, turned to the West in their quest to modernize, efforts that often ended in vain or with little success.
But China offers an inherently different path: one of peace and development, win-win cooperation and harmony between humanity and nature rather than external expansion and plundering.
Chinese modernization has "disapproved the claim that 'modernization equals Westernization,'" according to a think tank report titled "Chinese Modernization: The Way Forward," released in May.
According to experts, the Chinese approach broadens the opportunities for developing countries to achieve growth and development and offers an alternative solution for exploring a better social system for humanity.
For developing countries, the path to modernization was full of trials and tribulations.
"For most developing countries, the major need is development. We should pursue modernization based on our own resources and conditions," Jin said.
"Back in the 1980s, the biggest issue in China was feeding ourselves and meeting the basic needs of our people. That justified and determined our efforts and desire for modernization," said Jin.
Developing countries could draw inspiration from the methodology of Chinese modernization. According to Jin, developing countries should pursue economic growth, political development and cultural prosperity by following an independent path that prioritizes their unique conditions.
ENABLED BY STRONG LEADERSHIP
According to Jin, a notable feature of Chinese modernization is its strong leadership and governing team. The leadership is capable of mobilizing social resources and maintaining national unity — and unity is strength.
He added that the anti-corruption drive is also high on the agenda, ensuring the governing team remains clean and loyal to the people.
Since the launch of China's reform and opening-up policy, the country has achieved rapid economic growth and maintained long-term social stability, known as the "two miracles."
In its final report for China's 2024 Article IV Consultation released last week, the International Monetary Fund welcomed China's resilient economic growth and increased its forecast for its annual economic growth to 5 percent this year.
Despite various challenges, higher and more resilient growth for the Chinese economy is "within reach" with continued comprehensive reforms, Sonali Jain-Chandra, IMF's Mission Chief for China, told Xinhua.
