Chinese modernization carries global relevance

By Wang Yiwei

As a nation with an exceptionally long history, a massive population, and a legacy of poverty, as well as the world's only uninterrupted civilization, China has effectively addressed national development and civilizational continuity with Chinese modernization.

By forging a path tailored to its unique national conditions, China has dispelled the myth that modernization equates with Westernization. Instead of becoming a mere reflection of the West, China has achieved self-actualization on its own terms.

Today, Chinese modernization transcends the weaknesses of Westernization, giving rise to 10 significant relationships in the new era that merit reflection.

These relationships illustrate how Chinese modernization is reshaping China, the concept of modernization, and the world.

In achieving modernization, Europe positioned itself as modern and civilized, while labeling others as backward and barbaric. Similarly, the US' approach to modernization categorized nations into developed, developing and underdeveloped groups.

In contrast, Chinese modernization aims to achieve progress for all of humanity. It avoids the historical routes of colonization and exploitation, as well as the pursuit of hegemony, instead opting for a path of peaceful development.

Chinese modernization has inspired more countries in the Global South to pursue paths of development tailored to their own national conditions. This approach moves beyond unidimensional and alienated forms of modernization, as well as the linear models that often dismantle traditional cultures.

It also prompts the West to reflect on and refine its own models of modernization. Building on a strong foundation of confidence, Chinese modernization fosters a self-awareness that pushes modernization forward to drive globalization.

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, it unlocks the productive potential of the Global South, enhances global production relations, promotes shared modernization worldwide, builds a community with a shared future for humanity, and creates a new form of human advancement.

Chinese modernization emphasizes independence while embodying a vision of a shared future.

It fosters a global network of connectivity through the BRI to promote collective modernization for all humanity. This approach transforms the aspirations of people worldwide for a better life into reality, supporting their free and well-rounded development.

Wang Yiwei is the vice-president of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Renmin University of China.

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