October 1, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and it’s more than just another date on the calendar. This milestone reminds us of how China has transformed itself from extreme poverty to becoming the second largest economy globally. With this anniversary, the narrative of modern China takes center stage, reflecting on its past achievements and outlining its future aspirations.
The Global Times reported on this significant transition, emphasizing the shift from merely standing up as a nation to achieving prosperity and strength amid continuous struggles. The Chinese government intends to deepen reform comprehensively, striving for the ambitious goals set for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). This year’s commemorations also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, enhancing the significance of the year 2024.
The pride felt by the Chinese people is palpable, as they witness firsthand the improvements brought about through modernization—both material and spiritually enriching. According to reports, China's GDP surged to 223 times its size from 1952, showcasing steady growth at an average annual rate of 7.9 percent. This boom has led to remarkable improvements in quality of life. Public services, including education and healthcare, have seen substantial advancements, significantly boosting the average life expectancy.
But the story doesn’t stop at national factors alone. China's advancements also hold global ramifications. The nation has achieved significant milestones, triumphing over poverty as the country reported lifting around 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades. This accomplishment accounts for nearly three-quarters of the global figures for poverty reduction, creating ripples throughout developing nations wrestling with similar challenges. When China declared it had eradicated absolute poverty among its rural population—approximately 98.99 million individuals—it marked the end of one of the world’s most pressing issues.
What does this mean for international relations and trade? China's impressive economic growth has solidified its standing as a key actor on the world stage. Its contributions account for over 30% of global economic expansion. By establishing systems supporting high-standard open economies, China has become a significant trading partner to more than 140 countries and regions, providing stability and constructive forces for worldwide peace.
The nation’s accomplishments have been met with interest from observers around the world. A recent BBC article investigated how China has garnered the support of numerous African nations, attributing this success not to preaching but to China’s unique approach to modernization—one grounded intrinsically rather than aping foreign models. This independence resonates, marrying China's developmental strategies with aspirations of various countries from the Global South seeking alternatives to Western-centric paths.
Equally significant is how China’s modernization has redefined global expectations of what modernization can be. Traditional views held “modernization” synonymous with “Westernization,” but China has shattered this myth through concrete examples, showcasing another viable path for developing countries. This repositioning expands the scope and possibilities for nations striving for societal advancements.
At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held earlier this year, Chinese leaders underscored their commitment to support collaborative solutions and partnerships, reiteratively aligning with the Global South's interests and challenges. This alignment isn't merely political; it reflects shared visions and aspirations, reshaping the global development narrative.
Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, articulated this vision, pondering what binds humanity together on the new path and citing Chinese modernization as the cornerstone of this unity. He recognized the progress made but affirmed there is much more to do to constructively address upcoming challenges.
This year's celebrations not only reflect on the past but are also steeped with aspirations for future achievements. The PRC has survived numerous internal and external trials, and it aims to cultivate its path forward without wavering. The government’s determination parallels the spirit of its citizens—a collective resolution to see through its modernization goals.
Indeed, as the world watches, China's 75th anniversary is set not only as a celebration but as a pivotal moment poised for innovations to come. It's both earnest and anticipatory, as the Chinese people prepare to take bold steps forward, cementing their place as key players on the world stage.
With these ceremonies and celebrations, reflections on progress made will abound, but the real focus remains forward-looking. How will China continue its modernization, and what additional contributions will it make globally? Those questions serve not only as echoes of past successes but as prompts for all nations to redefine their paths toward modernization, wealth, and equity, playing part to build and reshape humanity's future collectively.
