Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang (second left, rear) attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, on 7 March (Xinhua) 

Chinese modernisation has become a hot topic at the ongoing Two Sessions, namely, the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, and the First Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. According to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Chinese modernisation busts the myth that modernisation is westernisation; it creates a new form of human advancement; and it provides an important source of inspiration for the world, especially developing countries. 

Chinese modernisation is the modernisation of common prosperity for all. China has achieved enormous socioeconomic, developmental, political, and other progress that is distinguished worldwide in terms of its development speed, economic size, and global impact. The country has grown to become the world’s second largest economy, and is a global leader in many fields and sectors. Impressively, it has managed to abolish extreme poverty, with the country’s unprecedented achievement in eliminating this terrible scourge, contributing close to three quarters of the entire global poverty reduction. 

While an array of factors underlay China’s success, several that stand out include its high degree of competence and technical expertise, dynamism and openness to change, unstinting commitment to innovation, and long-term social stability.  

Another key point is how the story of Chinese modernisation is, at its core, one of inspiration and encouragement, demonstrating that a nation that was once invaded, downtrodden, destitute, and subjugated can rise to not only stand, but to become the world second largest economy. China’s development has thus offered the world, especially the Global South, another place to look – an alternative reference point – for development, inspiration, and encouragement, while resoundingly proving that there is more than just one path to modernisation, progress, and success. What is more, Chinese modernisation has not only boosted China, but also contributed significantly to global prosperity. 

The author is an analyst based in East Africa