An alternative to Western models of modernization in China.
Chinese modernization include:
– Socialist Modernization under CPC Leadership: It explicitly emphasizes that this modernization is carried out under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and adheres to socialism with Chinese characteristics. Upholding Party leadership is considered a fundamental requirement.
– Huge Population: China’s modernization is unique due to its massive population, aiming for development that benefits all its citizens.
– Common Prosperity for All: A core tenet is the pursuit of “common prosperity,” aiming to reduce wealth disparities and ensure that the benefits of development are shared more equitably among all people.
– Material and Cultural-Ethical Advancement: It encompasses both material progress (economic development, technological innovation) and cultural-ethical advancement, stressing the importance of a thriving culture and moral standards.
– Harmony Between Humanity and Nature: This aspect highlights a commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological conservation, seeking a harmonious coexistence between economic growth and natural preservation.
– Peaceful Development: China emphasizes a path of peaceful development, contrasting its approach with what it describes as the historical expansionism and exploitation associated with some Western modernization models.
– High-Quality Development: The focus is on achieving high-quality development, which implies a shift from simply increasing GDP to more sustainable, innovative, and balanced growth.
– Whole-Process People’s Democracy: While not embracing Western liberal democracy, the concept includes “whole-process people’s democracy,” which the CCP presents as a system that ensures the people’s participation in governance.
– National Rejuvenation: Chinese modernization is intricately linked to the broader goal of the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” aiming to restore China to a position of prominence on the world stage.
Historical Context: The concept of modernization has been a long-standing aspiration for China since the 19th century, with early efforts like the Self-Strengthening Movement. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the focus was on building a modern socialist country. The “Four Modernizations” (agriculture, industry, defense, and science and technology) were formally introduced by Zhou Enlai and later became central to Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening-up policies in the late 1970s. Under Xi Jinping, “Chinese-style modernization” has been further developed and promoted as a distinct and comprehensive pathway.
Impact and Implications: Chinese modernization has led to significant economic growth, poverty reduction, and technological advancements within China. Globally, it is presented as an alternative development model, particularly for developing countries, emphasizing self-determination, mutual benefits, and cooperation. It has also sparked discussions and debates about the nature of modernization, global economic governance, and the future of international relations. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/posts/pfbid02HfYTJnLnz34547o5qF5MSmHwFLUVc84XQGqjsQfGC3LCjfMssxGJZSiEEwSYrNY9l?__cft__[0]=AZViBhBV-cHJD_Qz-vpSEzvuQBLWcJJJ5ietNNK1eUWq6okz2rqemruRNiPTONSfs7DUx8Dj4mGd0SmbJz2C06pO4iZUXcUD7r9pheP8bSwHGUfuOdGZ8k8iENypvFUwde4&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
