Civilisations and Modernisation: China’s path and contribution

by Wei Hongtian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada

In today’s world, multiple challenges and crises are intertwined.

The global economic recovery remains sluggish, the development gap is widening, ecological environment is deteriorating, and the Cold War mentality is lingering. Some attribute the difficulties that human beings face to the “clash of civilisations” saying that different civilisations are so incompatible that there would be no unity. But the answer could be otherwise.

On 15 March 2023, the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting was held virtually under the theme “Path towards Modernisation: The Responsibility of Political Parties.” In his keynote speech, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China, Xi Jinping, emphasised that all civilisations created by human society are splendid. They are where each country’s modernisation drive draws its strength and where its unique feature comes from. The Chinese civilisation could draw upon the merits of other civilisations and make the garden of world civilisations more vibrant.

Thereafter, President Xi made a proposal for the “Global Civilisation Initiative” which advocates the respect for the diversity of civilisations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilisations, and the robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. One will not be seen in a more favourable light after blowing out others’ lamp; nor will they go farther by blocking others’ paths. We should let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority among civilisations. This is China’s answer to the so-called “clash of civilisations” and it believes that the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness should be upheld.

The Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, who was also invited to speak during the meeting, commended President Xi and the CPC leadership for their continued efforts towards a peaceful coexistence with all states and providing opportunities for upliftment and common development for all. The insight and experience that PM Mitchell shared in the transformation of Grenada also earned applause from world party leaders.

As President Xi said, a single flower does not make spring, while 100 flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden. No matter how much civilisations differ, the desire for modernisations and better lives are something shared by human beings, As the future of all countries are closely connected, tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity’s modernisation process and making the garden of world civilisations flourish. Therefore, it is important to respect the right of every country to pursue a modernisation path tailored to its national reality, and encourage exchange and mutual learning. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of generation after generation, China has found its own path to modernisation. Chinese path to modernisation is rooted in our national conditions and also draws on the experience of other countries. It carries the imprint of history and traditional culture and also contains modern elements. It delivers benefit to the Chinese people and also advances common development of the world. It is a sure path for us to build a stronger nation and realise the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is also a path we must take to seek progress for humanity and harmony for the entire world. China’s experience contributed to the theory and practice of humanity’s modernisation.

As for China, the next 5 years will be crucial for getting the efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects off to a good start. Therefore, the “Two Sessions” namely the annual gathering of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which were held earlier this month, earned world attention. A new generation of national leader was elected, with Xi Jinping being unanimously re-elected as the President of China. How the Chinese Path to Modernisation is implemented, this year’s “Two Sessions” is a panoramic show.

The first session of the 14th National People’s Congress deliberated and approved the government work report (the GDP growth target is 5% for 2023) and other important reports, clarifying the overall requirements, major goals, and work priorities for China’s economic and social development this year. China will continue to pursue high-quality development and promote global growth and prosperity. We will accelerate the building of a new development paradigm that promotes high-standard opening up and steady expansion of market access. China’s door will only open wider. As we further modernise our industrial system, we will provide the world with more and better products made and created in China, and with a Chinese market of a larger scale and stronger demand. We will continue to support and help developing countries in their pursuit of faster development, industrialisation and modernisation and offer Chinese solutions and strength for narrowing the North-South gap and achieving common development. The CPC stands ready to work with political parties of all other countries to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, accelerate the solid implementation of the Global Development Initiative, foster new drivers for global development and build a global community of development.

As Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said at the press conference during the “Two Sessions,” a just cause should be pursued for the common good. China will keep in mind the interests of the world, take an active part in global governance, and contribute more to world peace and development and to human progress. In advancing modernisation, China will neither tread the old path of colonisation and plunder, nor the crooked path taken by some countries to seek hegemony once they grow strong. What China pursues is the right course of peaceful development. We seek to settle differences through dialogue and resolve disputes through cooperation. We firmly oppose hegemony and power politics in all their forms. We advocate solidarity and win-win mentality in handling complex and intertwined security challenges to set up a fair and just security architecture that is built and shared by all. A modernised China will strengthen the force for world peace and international justice. No matter what level of development China achieves, it will never seek hegemony or expansion, and stand on the side of developing countries. Developing countries account for more than 80% of the global population and more than 70% of global economic growth. People in developing countries are entitled to a better life, and developing countries are entitled to greater representation and a louder voice in international affairs.

Moreover, the “Two Sessions” demonstrated how China’s Whole Process People’s Democracy is practiced. The deputies to the 14th NPC make up a broad cross-section of people, with every region, ethnic group and sector of society having an appropriate number of representatives. Among the 2,977 deputies, 497 are workers and farmers and the share of deputies from the primary level in total is considerable. In China, electoral democracy and consultative democracy are advanced in a coordinated manner. The extensive, multi-level, and institutionalised development of consultative democracy boasts many channels, which can achieve the greatest possible convergence of interests. Democracy is not an ornament, but it is about solving problems for the people. Whether a country is democratic or not, practice speaks the loudest and the people of that country have the biggest say. Certain country, hyping up the so-called “Summit for Democracy” should first address the problems it faces domestically. The practice of stoking division and confrontation in the name of democracy is in itself a violation of the spirit of democracy. It will not receive any support.

The common aspiration for development and modernisation of humankind should never be turned into a zero-sum game. Respecting differences while seeking common grounds is the right choice for the peaceful co-existence of all civilisations. Fanning ideological confrontation, framing a false narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” and interfering in other countries’ internal affairs in the name of so-called “democracy” go against the trend of history. Forming exclusionary blocs and the so-called “Alliance of Values” harms international solidarity and hampers global cooperation.

The world wants no New Cold War. Only by seeking the true equality and inclusiveness among civilisations can we achieve modernisation together.