China’s modernization journey has marked extraordinary milestones, deeply rooted in the leadership of the Communist Party of China. With its progressive ideologies, commitment to pragmatism, and adaptability, the Party has secured the genuine support of the Chinese people, effectively uniting the nation’s strengths.

Marking my relationship with China, I consider it my second home. I embarked on my first journey to the country 60 years ago and have returned over 70 times since then, observing its unique modernization unfold. The scope, pace, and depth of this process are unprecedented; no other nation’s modernization can compare.

The pivotal moment arrived in 1978 during the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party, which set in motion China’s reform and opening-up policies. Following this, the Chinese economy saw exponential growth. According to World Bank statistics, the poverty rate in China dropped dramatically from 88.1% in 1981 to just 0.3% in 2018, lifting nearly 800 million people out of poverty. By 2021, China achieved a significant milestone, successfully eliminating absolute poverty—an accomplishment with global implications. In tandem with economic development, China has prioritized environmental protection, with blue skies and clean air becoming the new normal. The international community has widely recognized China’s progress toward ecological civilization.

My first trip to China was in 1964 when I taught English at what is now Beijing Foreign Studies University. Since then, I have had the opportunity to teach at various Chinese universities, engage in numerous seminars, and conduct field studies that have deepened my understanding of the country’s ethnic regions, which often contrast starkly with Western media narratives.

When I first arrived in Beijing, there were no subways or ring roads, and the streets were relatively empty of cars. It was unusual to see Chinese people on international flights, and English was not widely spoken. Today, the landscape has transformed dramatically; China’s high-speed rail system is remarkable for its efficiency and reliability, making travel across the country a breeze. Without trains that travel over 300 kilometers per hour, visiting diverse regions would present significant challenges. Additionally, I’m pleased to see that many of my friends throughout China can now communicate in basic English, reflecting a growing openness as more Chinese citizens travel abroad.

Drawing on my extensive experiences, I’ve authored books like “China in Transition” and “China’s Ethnic Minorities and Globalization.” These works strive to present an objective view of China’s developmental successes, enabling global readers to gain a more nuanced understanding of the country. I was truly honored to receive the Chinese government’s Friendship Award and the Special Contribution Award from the China Publishers Association in 2014 and 2015, which have deeply motivated me.

China’s modernization not only benefits its citizens but also aims to construct a community with a shared future for humanity. The nation advocates for a world marked by lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusivity, and ecological sustainability. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, China offers development opportunities that positively impact the economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards of its partners.

The astounding achievements of China’s modernization can ultimately be attributed to the leadership of the Communist Party. With its forward-looking ideologies and a commitment to truth and adaptability, the Party has garnered the heartfelt support of the people, unifying the nation’s collective strength.

Looking ahead, as the Chinese people advance toward their second centenary goal, we can anticipate a rise in China’s international influence and role in global governance, paving the way for greater opportunities for cooperation and mutual progress among countries worldwide.

—Mark Lin, Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, Sinologist
(Originally published in People’s Daily, October 10, 2024)