Chinese leaders challenge association of modernisation with westernisation

While modernisation has often been associated with westernisation, Chinese President Xi Jinping and State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, have moved to debunk the myth.

In his congratulatory message to the Lanting Forum on Chinese modernisation and the world held at the Meet-the-World Lounge in Shanghai over the weekend, Xi pointed out that modernisation was a relentless pursuit of the Chinese people since modern times began – also a common aspiration of people of all countries.

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In pursuing modernisation, said Xi, a country needed to follow certain general patterns – importantly proceeding from its own realities and developing its own features.

China would provide new opportunities for global development with new accomplishments in Chinese modernisation, lend new impetus to humanity’s search for paths towards modernisation “and better social systems, and work with all countries to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”

In his keynote speech to the gathering attended by foreign envoys, Qin said modernisation for China was “a journey of hardship and perseverance, anguish and glory, honour and dreams”.

Birth of the CPC

Said Qin: “During modern times, countless patriots looked to the West for a formula of modernisation to save the nation, but they all failed.

“It was not until the birth of the CPC (Communist Party of China) in 1921 that China found the pillar and guidance for its modernisation.

“It is under the CPC’s strong leadership that we have embarked on the great journey of independently building a modern country.

“We have turned China from an impoverished and backward land into the world’s second-largest economy, top trader in goods, biggest holder of foreign exchange reserves and biggest manufacturer.

“We have put in place the world’s largest compulsory education system, social security system, and medical and health system.

“China has realised, in a short span of several decades, industrialisation that had taken developed countries several centuries. We have caught up with the times in great strides.”

Citing the 18th CPC national congress, Qin said “under the strong leadership of the CPC central committee with comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the acceleration button was pressed in China’s modernisation drive”.

“The two major miracles — fast economic development and long-term social stability — continued.

“Absolute poverty was eradicated.

“A moderately prosperous society in all respects became a reality, with the first centenary goal realised.

“The Chinese nation has achieved a great transformation from standing up and growing prosperous – to becoming strong.

“National rejuvenation is now on an irreversible course.

“At the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sessions last month, general secretary Xi Jinping was again unanimously elected President of the People’s Republic of China.

“It was a choice by history and by the people.

“With the conviction and responsibility of serving the people selflessly, President Xi is steering Chinese modernisation forward and leading us in marching on the right path toward a better future,” said Qin.

Modernisation, maintained Qin, was “a common cause of all humanity”.

No fixed model to modernisation

He argued: “Although the West enjoyed the fruits of modernisation ahead of others, history will not end there.

“As early as 140 years ago, Karl Marx envisioned crossing the Caudine Forks of capitalism, providing a solid theoretical basis for a path of modernisation different from that of the West.

“Through the past 100 years and more, China has found by itself a path to modernisation and created a new form of human advancement.

“Ample facts have proved that there is no fixed model or single solution to modernisation.

“Any country can achieve modernisation, as long as the path suits its conditions and answers the need of its people for development.

“On the contrary, mechanically copying ill-fitted foreign models is counter-productive and may even lead to catastrophic consequences.”

The Lanting Forum on Chinese modernisation and the World, was organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs – supported by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Representatives of governments, think tanks and the media from nearly 80 countries participated in the forum.

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