Chinese modernization brings great missions and visions
The Chinese-funded cruise ship Blue Dream Melody is set to embark on a 33-night ultra-long-haul voyage departing from Shanghai on November 26, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The concept of "modernization" or "development theory" originally stemmed from the belief that the economic and political models of the Western world could be transplanted onto the newly independent nations of the Global South. An early founder of this theory, Daniel Lerner, in his influential work The Passing of Traditional Society: Modernizing the Middle East (1958), argued that the West, through the dissemination of modernity, can help underdeveloped nations transition from "traditional societies" to modern ones.
However, the trajectory of Chinese modernization presents a different narrative. China's modernization journey began with a sincere aspiration to uplift its people from poverty, underdevelopment, illiteracy, and other pressing challenges. When the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, the country faced significant hardships. For example, in 1952, China's GDP stood at only 67.9 billion yuan, with a per capita GDP of 119 yuan, as per official figures. This meant that the average annual income of Chinese individuals at that time was barely enough for them to afford a few McDonald's "Big Mac" meals. Through 75 years of relentless endeavor, China has made remarkable strides across various fronts, with the Chinese people being the primary beneficiaries of the gains of modernization.
Equally significant is China's commitment to collaborating with the global community and sharing the benefits of modernization worldwide, a principle deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values. For instance, during the First China-Latin America human rights round table recently, scholars from different countries were in agreement that the diversity of civilizations forms the bedrock of sustainable development for humanity.
China gives priority to cooperation with developing nations. By embracing a people-centered approach, China unites with developing countries to chart a path to modernization that suits themselves, fostering mutually beneficial development strategies. The Chinese Story in Global Order, an analysis of the global perception of China's modernization journey, concludes that a majority of individuals in developing countries view China as a positive external force and aspire to draw lessons from China's experiences for their own future development.
As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted during the General Debate of the 79th Session, the world is currently facing unprecedented challenges akin to a powder keg. To navigate these complexities and explore innovative solutions, humanity must cultivate new ideas and consider a broader array of alternatives. Now more than ever, it is imperative for mankind to unite and stand in solidarity.
Liu Chen is a professor of intercultural development at Beijing Foreign Studies University and the author of The Chinese Story in Global Order (Springer Nature, 2023).
