Follow the Chinese Path to Modernization

Follow the Chinese Path to Modernization*

October 29, 2020

China’s socialist modernization has many particular characteristics. There is no such a thing as a single authorized model of modernization, nor a universally applicable standard of modernization. Deng Xiaoping once said, “The modernization we are striving for is modernization of a Chinese type. The socialism we are building is a socialism with Chinese characteristics.” While sharing some common characteristics with other countries, our modernization has some unique features adapted to the realities of China.

First, our modernization is for a huge population. Success in modernizing a country of 1.4 billion people – a population that exceeds in size the combined total of all the developed countries – will completely change the international landscape and have a far-reaching impact on humanity.

Second, our modernization aims at common prosperity for everyone, which is an essential requirement of Chinese socialism. Committed to the people-centered philosophy of development in our drive for modernization, we have proactively addressed regional divides, disparities between urban and rural areas, and the gap in income distribution. We have promoted social fairness and justice, worked towards common prosperity for all our people, and stood firmly against polarization between rich and poor.

Third, our modernization balances material and cultural-ethical progress. It upholds the core socialist values, strengthens education on ideals and convictions, spreads splendid traditional culture, boosts people’s moral strength, and fosters material abundance and the well-rounded development of all.

Fourth, our modernization features a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. When we modernize our country, we strive to synergize material and eco-environmental progress, and follow a path of sound development that ensures growth, better lives, and a good environment; otherwise the pressure on resources and the environment will simply become unbearable.

Fifth, our modernization follows a path of peaceful development. Some of the old capitalist countries pursued modernization through violent exploitation of colonies and at the cost of other countries’ development. In contrast, our modernization emphasizes mutual benefit with other countries, strives for a global community of shared future, and works to deliver peace and development to humanity.

Past experience shows that the Chinese path to modernization fits China’s realities. It respects the laws governing the development of socialism and human society. We should press ahead with our modernization to drive forward our national rejuvenation and contribute more to humanity.

* Part of the speech at the second full assembly of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)