A New Model for Human Advancement and Its Global Significance (Part 4)
Chapter 3 - Where Is Humanity Headed: Chinese Insights into the New Model for Human Advancement (Section 1 to 2)
In today’s piece, we are updating you on the Chapter 3, Section 1 to 2 of our report, “A New Model for Human Advancement and Its Global Significance,” launched on November 11, at the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We look forward to answering any questions you may have so be sure to drop a like, comment, and subscribe for more!
Chinese modernization is deeply rooted in the fine traditional Chinese culture, mirrors the advantages of scientific socialism, draws inspiration from all of human civilization's outstanding achievements, represents the direction of the progress of human civilization, and demonstrates a new vision that's different from Western modernization. It is a new model for human advancement.
——Xi Jinping
Humanity's aspiration for an improved civilization and a better world embodies the inherent necessity and inevitable trend in the evolution of civilization. Following this necessity and trend, the CPC has led the people in blazing a Chinese path to modernization, adhering to a developmental concept that prioritizes the people over capital, pursues common prosperity over polarization, emphasizes people's free and well-rounded development over materialism, and advocates the equality and common progress of all nations over hegemony.
By combining the distinctiveness of Chinese civilization with the shared values of humanity, China has created a new model for human advancement. Such a new model presents a new landscape distinct from Western models of modernization. It achieves significant innovations in the theory and practice of global modernization, and offers a brand-new option for developing countries to pursue independent development.
Moreover, it contributes Chinese insights into addressing the dilemmas of human civilization, provides Chinese solutions for humanity's exploration of better social systems, and lights the path ahead towards a more thriving landscape for global development.
1. Major Innovations in the Theory and Practice of Global Modernization
1.1 Bearing Unique Theoretical Implications
Modernization found its root in Western countries in the 18th century, and today's industrialized developed countries are primarily those in Europe and North America, as well as capitalist countries steeped in Western civilization. Some individuals contend that the Western "modern industrial society" serves as a model for the entire non-Western world, that Western capitalist civilization symbolizes the zenith of human civilization, and that the West dominates modern civilization. However, to this day, Western style modernization has never adequately tackled numerous human development challenges, and has instead exacerbated crises in some developing countries.
The unique worldviews, values, and views on history, civilization, democracy, and ecology, and their remarkable application in Chinese modernization, have made vital innovative contributions to the theory and practice of global modernization. They also demonstrate to the world that the path to modernization is not unique to any one country, and human civilization still moves on and history's final chapter remains unwritten.
The new model for human advancement deriving from Chinese modernization reflects a disparate worldview that emphasizes the pursuit of common prosperity for all rather than zero-sum games. China holds the conviction that the development of all nations is closely intertwined, and humanity is a global community of shared future where all people rise and fall together. Only through concerted efforts, solidarity, and cooperation among all nations can humanity secure a brighter future.
China has always viewed its future as closely bound up with the future of people from all countries, aligning itself with the broader trend of human development and the overall pattern of global advancement. It has steadfastly adhered to the path of peaceful development for humankind and deeply engaged in mutual exchanges with other countries, fostering shared progress with the world.
China's pursuit of modernization not only brings benefits to its own people but contributes to the common development of the globe. As it strives for greater national strength and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, China is dedicated to fostering common progress of humanity and creating an ever-prosperous world. The new model for human advancement originating from Chinese modernization showcases distinctive values that prioritize the well-being of people over the accumulation of capital.
In terms of value orientation, Chinese modernization, which conforms to the people-centered principle, is fundamentally different from Western-style modernization, which, on the contrary, worships capital. Chinese modernization insists on development for the people, by the people and to the benefit of the people. It considers the people's aspiration for a better life as the starting point and final goal of modernization, and takes whether development results benefit all people as a criterion. Such a model focuses on promoting common prosperity for all and preventing polarization, aiming to achieve the ultimate goal of full and free development of every individual.
The new model for human advancement resulting from Chinese modernization embodies a unique historical perspective highlighting a broad view of history rather than the shallow-minded narrative of the "end of history". China argues that the progression of human society is driven by fundamental social contradictions, and it is the universal laws governing the movement of these contradictions that shape the basic trajectory of humanity's historical development.
In pursuing modernization, China emphasizes the importance of summarizing historical experiences, understanding historical laws, and initiating historical progress. By analyzing evolutionary mechanisms and exploring major historical patterns through the lens of historical context, current trends, and global dynamics, and proposing corresponding strategies, China has constantly sustained the vigor and vitality of Marxism, and showcased the profound historical depth of its civilization traversing over five millennia.
The new model for human advancement emanating from Chinese modernization offers a different perspective on civilization that stresses exchanges and mutual learning rather than conflict and estrangement. China holds that all civilizations created by human society are invaluable treasures, which have laid a solid groundwork for national modernization across the globe.
Chinese modernization embraces a civilization outlook characterized by equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, advocating respect for the diversity of world civilizations and promoting harmonious coexistence among different civilizations. Instead of being the root of global conflicts, differences among civilizations should function as the driving force for the progression of humanity. That is to say, we must seek unity amid diversity and strive for universal harmony while honoring differences.
China has remained committed to demolishing barriers in cultural exchanges with an inclusive mind, drawing nourishment from various sources with an eclectic attitude, and promoting common development in modernization through exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
The new model for human advancement stemming from Chinese modernization underlines whole-process people's democracy which stands out as a distinct concept compared to mere formal democracy. China claims that democracy is a treasure shared by all humankind rather than a patent of a few countries; whether a country is democratic or not is determined solely by its citizens; democracy is not an ornament or a façade, and the criterion for evaluating democracy should not solely center on its form, but rather on whether it truly allows its people to govern their own affairs and whether it can be employed to address people's concerns.
People are entitled to the right to elect and vote, and moreover, to extensive participation; they can express their will freely and see it effectively fulfilled; better still, they can also do their part in promoting national development and share in its gains. Whole-process people's democracy embodies the will and voices of the people in every facet of national political and social life, transcending the formal democratic model of the West solely obsessed with "votes" and showcasing the edges of socialist democracy in governance efficiency.
The new model for human advancement forged by Chinese modernization encompasses a distinct ecological outlook that advocates for creating a community of all life on Earth.
Chinese modernization draws on the wisdom of traditional Chinese culture, which remains well-preserved in proverbs like "The laws of Nature govern all things", "Man must seek harmony with Nature", and "What we take from nature should be well-measured, and how we use these things should be restrained". It highlights the significance of building a community of all life on Earth, while drawing lessons from the experience gained from Western- style modernization. This perspective transcends the anthropocentric paradigm of Western- style modernization which elevates humankind above nature.
China adheres to the principle of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, respecting nature, adapting to its laws, and safeguarding its well-being. It endeavors to strike a dialectical balance between economic development and ecological conservation, secure sustainable development, and achieve historic milestone in ecological civilization construction along its path to Chinese modernization.
1.2 Revolutionizing the World Map of Modernization
Western countries were the first to tread the path of modernization. They drove world history, reshaped the global order, and ultimately formed a modern world system dominated by capitalism. In the past few hundreds of years, while developed countries in Europe and North America have already achieved early- stage modernization, most developing countries, especially economies with substantial populations, have yet to cross the threshold into modernization. Only a very few of them have achieved developed status.
Confronted with the gigantic developmental disparities left by history, modernization has become a must-answer question for China and numerous other developing countries. Chinese modernization allows China, a latecomer to modernization, to catch up and achieve great success that is recognized by the world, and it is therefore proven to be an effective solution to such a historic challenge.
China has successfully forged a path towards modernization and innovated a new model for human advancement, enabling over 1.4 billion people to embrace modernization. Since the inception of modernization in the 18th century, only around 30 countries worldwide have achieved industrialization, with a combined population less than 1 billion.
China is working to achieve modernization for over 1.4 billion people, a number larger than the combined population of all developed countries in the world today. This will more than double the current global population enjoying modernization, an unprecedented milestone in human history that will fundamentally transform the global landscape of modernization.
1.3 Expanding Pathways to Modernization for Developing Countries
Only those who have trodden a particular path can truly assess its suitability for them. In a nation's pursuit of modernization, it is essential to foster a unique path of its own in line with its national realities while following the general principles of modernization.
The CPC, by uniting and leading the people of all ethnic groups in China, has found the Chinese path to modernization through prolonged and arduous exploration. This path features a committed pursuit of common prosperity for all, concordance between material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development for a huge population.
Chinese modernization proves viable and stable, representing the only correct path for building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation. The splendid accomplishments of Chinese modernization demonstrate that modernization can be achieved through multiple pathways, and each country is well equipped to forge a path of its own.
China does not follow the old path of some countries in achieving modernization through war, colonization and plunder. On the contrary, it holds high the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, seeking its own progress while resolutely safeguarding world peace and development.
China's successful advancement towards modernization can be attributed to its adherence to the overall leadership of the CPC in propelling Chinese modernization, its commitment to people-centered development philosophy, its perseverance in pursuing an independent path, its effective employment of reform and opening-up, its insistence on innovation-driven development, and its systematic approach to support progress.
These remarkable experiences and practices have set a good example for the vast array of developing countries to pursue modernization on their own, offered fresh options for nations who want to accelerate development while preserving their independence, and provided Chinese solutions for humankind's exploration of a better social system.
Keith Bennett, a British analyst of international relations who has long followed China's development, called Chinese modernization "a fundamentally different paradigm for modernization."
From his perspective, it is a kind of modernization that focuses on all humankind, and plays an effective role in assisting more countries in blazing and promoting their own pathways towards modernization.
Donald Rushambwa, a research fellow at the Zimbabwe-based China-Africa Economic and Culture Exchange Research Center, noted that "in just over 40 years, China has realized economic take-off and completed comprehensive modernization in science and technology, infrastructure and other fields without exploiting any other countries. This is an example for developing countries to follow."
Brice Nguema, the interim president of Gabon, also expressed his admiration for Chinese modernization, "The achievements of Chinese modernization are impressive, and the Chinese model of development will serve as an inspirational source for African countries exploring their own development paths."
2. Chinese Solutions to Building Global Consensus
"We should not give up on our dreams because the reality around us is too complicated; we should not stop pursuing our ideals because they seem out of our reach. No country can address alone the many challenges facing humanity; no country can afford to retreat into self-isolation." In the face of increasingly severe and complex common challenges to humanity, China always works hand in hand with the international community and contributes China's vision to address global challenges so as to create an even brighter future for all.
2.1 GDI for World Economic Prosperity
In response to the serious challenges in global economic and social development, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in Beijing on September 21, 2021 during an important speech via video at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The GDI advocates for staying committed to development as a priority, a people- centered approach, benefits for all, innovation-driven development, harmony between man and nature, and results-oriented actions. It calls upon the international community to tackle challenges together and pushes for international efforts to consolidate and expand consensus on development.
China has taken active steps to transform the GDI from a proposal into an international consensus and from a cooperative vision into collective action, and injected Chinese strength into the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Since the GDI's introduction, China has established over 30 cooperative platforms and initiated more than 1,100 projects in eight key areas including poverty alleviation, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy, and digital-age connectivity, which cover all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Agenda.
So far, China has invested and mobilized a range of development funds totaling nearly USD 20 billion and launched more than 600 projects from the GDI project database.
From technological cooperation to capacity building, from poverty alleviation education to digital economy, and from high-yield rice cultivation to Juncao technology, China's pragmatic actions have yielded substantial results, helping accelerate the Global South's development and injecting into the stagnant global growth positive energy.
The GDI has received a positive response from over 100 countries and international organizations, particularly the global South countries, exerting a significant and far reaching international influence.
As a "recommitment" to the Agenda, the GDI calls on the international community to accelerate the Agenda's implementation, pursue more robust, greener, and more balanced global development, and build a global community of development of shared future. In doing so, it outlines a blueprint for the development of all countries and for international development cooperation, and provides a clear direction for advancing global development.
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), believed that China-proposed GDI is conducive to achieving the SDGs, particularly in such areas as green development, food security, and infrastructure.
The GDI originates in China, but its opportunities and outcomes are intended for the whole world.
2.2 GSI for World Peace and Stability
Confronted with emerging challenges and difficulties, the world seeks new solutions, and the global security calls for new international public goods. Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI) when delivering a keynote address via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on April 21, 2022.
The GSI is underpinned by "six commitments", specifically,
Staying committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.
Staying committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
Staying committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Staying committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously.
Staying committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.
Staying committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, with a view to jointly promoting a global community of security for all.
It addresses such questions of the times as what security concept the world needs and how countries can achieve common security. China has forged ahead through crises and challenges and translated the GSI into concrete actions, demonstrating its commitment to maintain world peace and its firm resolve to safeguard global security.
The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper released by China outlines 20 priorities, showing what the way forward will be for countries to engage in security cooperation under the GSI framework.
Guided by the GSI's principles, China has issued position papers on the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the Afghan Issue, and spared no efforts to promote talks for peace, rekindling hope for political settlement of hot-spot issues;
China has deepened cooperation with various countries in such areas as international peacekeeping, counterterrorism, climate change, disaster prevention and reduction, and combating transnational crime, thus strengthening collaborative international security governance
China has continuously established platforms for exchanges and dialogue on international security such as the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and the Beijing Xiangshan Forum and actively led and participated in security-related exchanges and cooperation under the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and the East Asian Cooperation Mechanism, thereby creating a robust foundation for promoting international security collaboration.
In a world marked by upheaval, China has steadily advanced global security cooperation, achieving continuous progress and fostering global consensus on international and regional security challenges, thereby injecting greater stability into an unsettled world.
Currently, the GSI has won support and applause from over 100 countries and international organizations as it represents China's solution to address global peace deficit and security challenges, offers an action plan for cooperation in global security governance, infuses momentum into transforming international security concepts, and delineates a clear path towards lasting peace and universal security for humanity.
2.3 GCI for Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations
Equal exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations will provide crucial momentum and a fundamental basis for humanity in addressing the pressing challenges of our time and achieving common development.
On March 15, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) during his keynote speech at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting. The GCI presents "four joint advocacies" of respecting the diversity of civilizations and upholding the principles of
Equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilizations.
Humanity's shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom.
Attaching importance to the inheritance and innovation of civilizations and fully harnessing the relevance of histories and cultures to the present times.
Enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation and exploring the building of a global network for inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation.
The GCI seeks to foster exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, enhance mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries, build international consensus for cooperation, and advance human civilization. It has marshaled the forces of civilizations to open up a new prospect of enhanced exchanges and understanding among different peoples and better interactions and integration of diversified cultures and to promote the modernization of human society.
Following its introduction, the GCI has gradually gained broad understanding and recognition from the international community. On June 7, 2024, the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a China-proposed resolution to designate June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations and to invite all member states and UN agencies to commemorate the day.
The UN's resolution on establishing this International Day, which centers around the GCI's core tenets of "four advocacies",
States that all civilizational achievements are the collective heritage of humankind.
Advocates respecting the diversity of civilizations.
Emphasizes the crucial role of dialogue among civilizations in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, enhancing human well- being, and achieving collective progress.
Calls for equal dialogue and mutual respect among different civilizations.
Following the trend of the times, the GCI has guided the development and progress of human society with a new vision of civilization and outlined a fresh blueprint for the advancement of human civilization, injecting momentum into cultural growth and offering a Chinese approach to fostering harmonious relations among diverse civilizations.
Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China America Studies, stated that the GCI aspires to reestablish the foundation for dialogue among societies and civilizations to cultivate tolerance and mutual respect.
Mustapha Machrafi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences at Mohammed V University in Morocco, said that the GCI's advocacy for respecting the diversity of world civilizations, upholding humanity's common values, attaching importance to the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. These efforts help establish a common consensus on values across different cultures and will undoubtedly contribute powerful momentum to the promotion of China-Arab cultural exchange and the building of a more equitable, just, diverse, and inclusive world.
Chapter 3 Section 3-4: To be Continued…