The Chinese Path to Modernization and Its Implications for the World: A Historical Perspective

ABSTRACT

The Chinese path to modernization, explored by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), breaks the Western-created mindset that “modernization equals capitalism.” While overcoming the inherent problems brought about by Western modernization, problems that include polarization, ecological destruction and the supremacy of capital, China’s modernization also refutes the myth that “modernization equals Westernization.” It serves as a proof that developing countries can take an independent path to modernization based on their own national conditions and historical traditions. Through its successful practice, China’s modernization has given the lie to the Western-centric concepts of the “end of history” and the “clash of civilizations.” It has brought deep changes to the world landscape, and is exerting a profound influence on the trend of development of world history.

KEYWORDS:

• Chinese path to modernization
• grand view of history
• common prosperity
• CPC leadership
• people-centeredness

Acknowledgements

This article was translated from Chinese by Zixu Liu, associate researcher at the Academy of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 See Xi Jinping’s speech at the seminar for leading provincial and ministerial cadres on “Acquiring the Spirit of the Important Speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping in Preparation for the 20th CPC National Congress.” [In Chinese.] http://news.youth.cn/sz/202207/t20220731_13884390.htm.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yun Gong

Yun Gong is a researcher and Vice President of the Academy of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and Executive Deputy Director of the Research Center of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, CASS.