(W.E.Talk) Chinese modernization breaks Western monopoly on modernization

Special: W.E. Talk

By Chen Tianhao, Zhang Aolin 

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has celebrated its 104th founding anniversary. What helps the CPC keep its vitality throughout the century and solidify its leadership in one of the most populous countries to realize modernity? In the latest W.E. Talk, Xiao Yang, faculty member and Party branch secretary at the School of Area Studies of Beijing International Studies University, and Colin Mackerras, an Australian Sinologist and Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, had an in-depth discussion on related topics. 

Secret to enduring vitality: Theoretical innovation and people-oriented approach

The Communist Party of China has maintained remarkable vitality and cohesion throughout the course of 104 years since 1921. When asked about the secret behind the CPC’s sustained dynamism, Xiao offered an in-depth analysis from the perspectives of theoretical innovation and practical exploration. 

“The fundamental reason lies in the CPC’s consistent adherence to the localization and modernization of Marxism,” he said. “And it’s continuously advancement of theoretical, practical, and institutional innovation in socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

In Xiao’s view, the comprehensive and rigorous governance of the CPC is a vital guarantee for preserving its vitality.

“The Party always represents the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people, adheres to a people-centered development philosophy, and ensures its own renewal through self-purification, self-improvement, self-reform, and self-enhancement,” he emphasized.

Australian sinologist Colin Mackerras, a long-time observer of China’s development, offered unique insights from a comparative perspective. 

“Although Marxism originated in classical German philosophy, its values possess universal significance,” he noted. “The way the CPC and its leaders have integrated this ideology with China’s national realities is worthy of in-depth study — and the results have been highly successful.” 

Mackerras particularly praised the CPC’s capacity to evolve with the times. “The CPC has shown a remarkable ability to adapt its theories to the changing realities of different eras, making them effective tools for guiding practice.”

He added that the Party’s consistent focus on serving the people is one of the keys to its success. “Whether it’s dispatching the military to provide disaster relief or improving people’s livelihoods, such measures reflect its governance philosophy of putting the people first.” 

Having first visited China in 1964 and followed its development for over six decades, Mackerras concluded, “Compared with the increasingly severe divisions in American society, the CPC has been notably effective in uniting people from all walks of life and rallying collective strength for national development.”

Chinese modernization: A new form of human civilization

In recent years, under the leadership of the CPC, China has achieved remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation, and the improvement of people’s livelihoods. Chinese modernization has also shattered the long-held notion that modernization must equate to Westernization. 

Mackerras analyzed the uniqueness of China’s modernization from a cultural comparative perspective. “China has always pursued a modernization path aligned with Marxist Principles—advancing economic development, raising people’s living standards, and strengthening national power to gain international respect,” he noted. “But China’s rise is not driven by a desire to become a ‘superpower’, which fundamentally distinguishes it from Western logic.” 

Mackerras emphasized, “There is more than one path to modernization. China has performed outstandingly in its modernization journey without simply copying the Western model.” 

In his view, China’s path to modernization is deeply rooted in its own civilization. “China has a distinct culture, way of doing things, and model of governance. Its path to modernization naturally diverges from Western expectations—this divergence is shaped by the inherent nature of its civilization,” he explained. 

Xiao highlighted that the successful practice of Chinese-style modernization “offers the world a new development model” and is significant because it “challenges the Western monopoly over modernization discourse, paradigms, and rigid thinking.” 

He emphasized that China’s development proves that developing countries can achieve modernization while preserving their own unique characteristics. “This embodies the wisdom China contributes to economic globalization, global governance, and the progress of human civilization,” Xiao stated. 

A new paradigm of party-to-party diplomacy: A vital contribution to global good governance

In addition, the CPC has actively promoted the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind through innovative platforms such as the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting, sharing its governance experience with political parties around the globe. 

On this, Xiao commented that “the CPC is working with political parties worldwide to explore a new type of inter-party relationship based on mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and mutual learning.” He noted that this party-centered model of diplomacy is an innovation that “helps enhance the effectiveness of global governance.”

Xiao further explained, “The CPC has developed a deep understanding of global trends, the evolution of world politics and political parties, and the lessons drawn from the rise and fall of major political parties around the world. By integrating this knowledge with its own practice, the Party continues to refine its scientific understanding of the laws of governance by communist parties, socialist construction, and the development of human society.” These explorations, he said, offer valuable insights for political parties worldwide. 

From the perspective of shifting global dynamics, Mackerras offered his own analysis. “The U.S. has long prioritized ‘being the No.1,’ as reflected in slogans like ‘Make America Great Again,’ which stem from a unipolar hegemonic mindset. In contrast, China advocates for a community with a shared future for mankind, emphasizing the diversity of civilizations and common progress, without aiming to be the sole global leader.” 

Mackerras noted that China aims to be an important force in a multipolar world, contributing positively to international cooperation rather than monopolizing global discourse. This approach is especially significant in tackling global challenges such as climate change. 

In conclusion, Xiao emphasized, “the CPC-led exchange of governance experiences is bearing fruits worldwide. It is helping political parties across the globe address their own governance challenges, pursue shared development, and contribute to global good governance.”