(JIN DING / CHINA DAILY)
One of the essential requirements of the Chinese path to modernization is to help build a community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese path to modernization also links the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the destiny of humanity, and is based on China's national conditions and historical and cultural traditions.
The Chinese path to modernization benefits not only the people of the country but also promotes common development for the world. It is the path toward constructing a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation for China, as well as seeking human progress and building a world of harmony, peace and development.
The Chinese path to modernization advocates cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Civilizations thrive because of diversity, communication and mutual learning. China’s theory of modernization respects the civilizational diversity and the achievements made by other civilizations
It is important to understand the global significance of the Chinese path to modernization and help strengthen the efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and promote world peace and development.
Different from Western path to modernization
The Chinese path to modernization is driven by a scientific theoretical framework, opening up new frontiers for the development of scientific socialism. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012, the Party has successfully promoted and expanded the Chinese path to modernization process, and constructed a clear, scientific and feasible theoretical system for the country's modernization.
The Chinese path to modernization integrates Marxism with the civilization and traditions of the Chinese nation, while drawing on the achievements and experiences of other countries in this field. It is the product of the combination of socialist theory and the Chinese path to modernization practice aimed at organically integrating traditional culture with modern practices. This shows the Party has developed a complete understanding of scientific socialism, and its theoretical innovation has entered a new realm.
The CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping has said the Chinese path to modernization embodies the advanced nature of scientific socialism. This means that the Chinese path to modernization emphasizes the coordinated realization of common prosperity, promotes comprehensive human development and social progress, balances material and cultural-ethical progress, and features a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
In contrast to the Western path of modernization, which is centered on capital, the Chinese path to modernization is aimed at promoting the development of the theory of scientific socialism. The Chinese path to modernization process reveals the diverse possibilities of human society in exploring modernization. It provides Chinese solutions to the challenges faced by the world and addresses major human issues based on its own development and security concepts, governance principles and cultural practices.
The Chinese path to modernization pursues high-quality development and provides a new paradigm for expanding the path of modernization. The question of whether there is only one path or multiple paths of modernization has for long been plaguing humankind, and has sparked debates on the socioeconomic development. Looking at the timeline of modernization, Western countries have indeed been at the forefront of modernization and have had a profound influence on the world.
For a considerable period of time, the global discourse on modernization theory and practice has been dominated by the West. However, the CPC, by overcoming all odds, has held high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and made remarkable achievements in advancing the Chinese path to modernization.
Through practical actions, it has exposed the myth of "Westernization equals modernization" and proved wrong the claim that Western modernization is the ultimate model of modernization. China has presented a new modernization model that is distinct from the Western model and has increased the choices for developing countries to embark on their own respective path toward modernization.
As Xi Jinping said, there is no fixed model of modernization; the modernization model based on the existing social, economic and political conditions will best suit a country. So the efforts of a country to independently explore the path to modernization keeping in mind its socioeconomic conditions should be respected.
In the process of promoting its journey toward modernization, China adheres to the fundamental policy of opening-up and steadfastly pursuing mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. It follows the governance concept of consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, while focusing on protecting the common interests and facilitating the well-being of humanity.
From proposing the Global Development Initiative to helping build partnerships to boost the global economy's recovery, from establishing global development and South-South cooperation funds to promoting the G20 debt relief initiative, China has consistently adhered to the concept that "the development of all countries is true development". In fact, China has been creating new development opportunities for the world through its new development endeavors.
Mutual learning and cultural exchanges
The Chinese path to modernization advocates cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Civilizations thrive because of diversity, communication and mutual learning. China's theory of modernization respects the civilizational diversity and the achievements made by other civilizations. It also promotes cultural exchanges that transcend cultural barriers, mutual learning overcoming cultural differences, and inclusiveness beyond claims of cultural superiority.
On March 15, Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative during the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting. The initiative offers Chinese solutions to problems obstructing social modernization, in order to foster the prosperity of other civilizations. Civilization, after all, is about harmonious progress, not conflict and containment.
In advancing its modernization process, China has continuously strengthened the bond of friendship among peoples, promoted connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative, established partnerships among theaters, museums and art galleries along the Silk Road, and built networks of cooperation in education, healthcare, sports, tourism and other sectors. As a matter of fact, China is striving to boost cultural exchanges and connectivity among countries, while promoting the concept of "beauty in diversity".
Upholding global peace and development, China has been promoting the development of civilizations across the world.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Xi Jinping's proposal to help build a community with a shared future for mankind, which reflects China's concern for the destiny of humankind, as well as its profound understanding of the trends of the times. It reflects the commitment and actions of the Party, which has been promoting the progress of humanity and global unity.
Through its modernization process, China has been exploring the scientific laws and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. This has endowed the Chinese path to modernization with a noble mission of restoring peace and promoting development across the world.
China has been promoting the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom for all. And while advancing its own development, China remains committed to safeguarding global peace and development.
The author is the Party Secretary of Renmin University of China.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.