China has made significant strides in its development journey, achieving impressive milestones in a relatively short period. Its success in modernization was highlighted at the Lanting Forum on Chinese Modernization and the World, which took place in April at the Meet-The-World Lounge in Shanghai. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message, acknowledging that modernization is a continuous pursuit for China and a common aspiration for people worldwide. However, he emphasized the need for China to find a development path that suits its unique circumstances.
China is keen on offering new opportunities for global development and providing fresh momentum to humanity’s search for paths towards modernization and better social systems. The Chinese Communist Party leader expressed the country’s willingness to work with other nations to advance the creation of a community with a shared future for mankind. According to State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, “While Chinese modernization is conceived in China, the opportunities it brings belong to the world.” Gang also highlighted the need for countries that have achieved modernization not to impede other countries from achieving the same goals, stating that there is no single solution to modernization and advocating for domesticating modernization models to suit the unique reality of each country.
China has made impressive strides in modernization, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with over 3,000 cooperation projects carried out, $1 trillion investments made, and 420,000 jobs created for participating countries. The initiative has led to $320 million Chinese direct investment flows abroad every day, over 3,000 foreign companies setting up in China every month, 400 million Chinese nationals entering the middle-income group in the past 40 years, and over 140 countries and regions regarding China as a major trading partner. Additionally, over 800 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty in the past 40 years, highlighting the country’s impressive economic growth.
The benefits of China’s modernization can be seen across the globe, particularly in Africa, through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Nigeria, for example, has benefited from China’s support in the building of roads, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Zungeru hydro power plant, Abuja-Kaduna rail, Lagos-Ibadan rail, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, among others. The Lanting Forum on Chinese Modernization and the World was organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Representatives from governments, think tanks, and media organizations from about 80 countries participated in the forum.
Overall, China’s modernization journey has led to remarkable achievements, with the country now offering new opportunities for global development. However, as highlighted by President Xi Jinping and State Councilor Qin Gang, China recognizes the need to find a development path that suits its unique circumstances while advocating for other nations to do the same. Through initiatives such as the BRI and FOCAC, China’s modernization benefits are being felt across the globe, particularly in developing countries.
