Key features of China's modernization in 2023

By Maryam Raza

In 2022, China witnessed transformations and triumphs in many aspects, such as national modernization, socioeconomic development, innovative reforms, and opening-up foreign policy.

As 2023 approaches, China has set targets for the next five years to support progress. Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the core of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has left no stone unturned and fostered broader regional integration. China remains on the path to modernization with prudent policies and projects. President Xi has adopted the right policies both domestically and internationally for common development.

China's modernization has been pursued as a strategy of national rejuvenation. The key characteristics involve enhancing the government's capacity, formulating the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, and analyzing the Party's major achievements.

It is said, "people without knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." China has never forgotten its history and ancestors, while keeping its legacy intact on the way to prosperity.

The theoretical guidance of Marxism stands crucial for the Party's foundation and future initiatives, serving as a light to push development with a shared forward-looking spirit. To uphold Marxism, China will integrate it with specific realities to achieve goals.

The new journey of the new era in 2023 highlights the Chinese leadership will enhance the realization of the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious and reaching the level of moderately developed countries by the time the People's Republic of China celebrates its centenary in 2049, and to advance national rejuvenation through modernization and openness. 

The leadership seeks happiness for the people and progress for humanity. No matter how the global situation might have changed, China has pursued the shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice and democracy. It has championed internationalism, stood on the right side of history and progressive side of humanity, while contributing to global peace and development.

The 20th CPC National Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, October 16, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has worked for upgrading major sectors, i.e., clean-green development, science and technology, cultural cooperation, internal reforms, high standard opening, accelerating innovative-driven strategy, workforce development, educational reforms, promoting world peace, strengthening institutions, establishing consultative democracy, and fostering regional coordination.  

Additionally, socioeconomic developments in the global discourse have ushered in profound changes in international relations, which have enabled states to shed the conventional nature of confrontation and move towards a shared future.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the concept of building a community with shared future for mankind, and the Global Development Initiative (GDI) have brought opportunities for the states to cooperate in the areas of mutual interest and tackle common threats. In this chaotic world, where the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued the world and disrupted social systems, China emerged as a leader to cope with such challenges and help other states as well.

Hence, it can be anticipated that China will experience a golden era in 2023 with many interesting events and new programs to steer other regional states towards collaboration. The peaceful development path is consistent with China's traditional culture and legacy.

The leadership cherishes peace and stability within and outside the country. The country, under the leadership of President Xi, is moving towards greater prosperity and brighter future. The year 2023 will experience more success in all spheres in China.

Maryam Raza is deputy director of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.