On October 28, National Academy of Chinese Modernization (NACM) of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences(CASS)hosted the second session of the "Chinese Modernization Lecture Series" in Beijing. Prof. Jin Minqing, member of the Party leadership group of CASS and the Director of the Institute of Contemporary China Studies, presided over the lecture. Prof. Jia Qingguo, professor at Peking University's School of International Studies and the Director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding (iGCU), was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled “Chinese Modernization and the Development of the Global South.” Prof. Zhang Guanzi, Dean and Deputy Party Secretary of NACM attended the event.
Professor Jia delivered a lecture.
Photographed by Zhang Zhe, a reporter from China Social Sciences Network.
To understand what “Chinese Modernization” entails,the concept must first be dissected.In Prof. Jia's view, “Chinese” refers to the collective expression of China's unique characteristics—its history, culture, geography, demographics, development level, political system, and more. This concept is not static but evolves dynamically over time. The term “modernization,” originating in the Western studies, fundamentally denotes the profound transformations occurring in human society since the Industrial Revolution, encompassing transition in economic, social, political and various dimensions. Chinese Modernization represents a historical process of organically integrating Chinese characteristics with the process of modernization. Compared to the paths taken by Western developed nations, Chinese Modernization possesses distinct characteristics, which are prominently manifested in the internal reforms and innovations driven by the leadership of the Party, alongside its commitment to opening up and international cooperation. It prioritizes the overall interests and long-term development of the people, emphasizes ecological conservation while pursuing economic growth, and advances reforms steadily while ensuring political stability.
After years of development, Chinese Modernization has achieved remarkable accomplishments. Prof. Jia contends that the primary reasons for the success lie in the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, its profound cultural heritage, its commitment to an open-minded attitude, and its enterprising spirit of keeping pace over time and pursuing continuous innovation. It has effectively balanced reform, development, and stability.
Prof. Jia emphasized that the success of Chinese Modernization has bolstered the confidence of developing countries in pursuing modernization: if China, as a developing country, can succeed, then other developing countries can theoretically achieve it as well. The success of Chinese Modernization offers profound insights for Global South nations: adhering to an independent development path is the foundation for successful development; fully leveraging comparative advantages gained through opening up and effectively utilizing global wisdom and resources are essential conditions for successful development; following a gradualist reform strategy is the path to successful development; and properly handling the relationship among reform, development, and stability is the key to successful development.
Against the background of rapidly changing global dynamics, China's relationship with Global South stands at a new historical juncture. The future holds both abundant opportunities and a series of challenges. Prof. Jia proposed that China and the Global South should strengthen dialogue and exchanges, continue expanding economic and trade cooperation, elevate the level of scientific and technological collaboration, and coordinate on global governance issues. This will solidify the foundation for cooperation, enable pragmatic and rational responses to challenges, and advance the establishment of healthier, more stable, enduring, and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
Scholars from institutions including the NACM and the Social Sciences in China Press (SSCP) attended the lecture and engaged in discussions with Prof. Jia.
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