What is Chinese Modernization?
Chinese modernization has emerged as a defining concept in China’s national discourse, especially emphasized in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). To fully understand this concept, one must first examine the broader historical trajectory of modernization theory itself.
Modernization has long been viewed as an inevitable trend and a critical national task for all the cultures. As highlighted in Marxist theory, particularly in the Communist Manifesto, modernization is seen as a necessary path for any nation striving to survive and thrive in the modern era. Rooted in Western Europe, modernization initially took form during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods and was characterized by industrialization by principle of capitalism.
Over time, with the rise of globalization, the Western model of modernization became the dominant and often unquestioned framework for progress. This viewpoint gained further traction with the publication of influential works like The End of History and the Last Man, which argued that Western liberal democracy, particularly in its American form, represented the ultimate model for societal development. Consequently, for a significant period, modernization and Westernization were regarded as synonymous.
China, however, presents a different narrative—one that offers an alternative approach to modernization, both in theory and in practice. This model is especially significant for developing countries seeking to progress without compromising their cultural identities or political sovereignty in catering for the western standard. China’s road toward modernization dates back to the mid-19th century. After the 1840 Opium Wars and subsequent military defeats, Chinese intellectuals came to realize the importance of catching up with the global trends of modernization. The disillusionment sparked early reform efforts such as the Self-Strengthening Movement, the 1898 Reform, and the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. Though significant as pioneering trials, these attempts fell short of providing a feasible solution for modernization and were doomed to be failures.
It was only after the establishment of the Communist Party of China and the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 that a coherent and effective path to modernization emerged. The achievement of national independence under CPC leadership laid the political foundation for modernization. Later, the reform and opening-up policies of the 1980s accelerated China’s development, transforming it into the world’s second-largest economy. It is the leadership of CPC that ensures the successful story of Chinese modernization. It is no exaggeration that the leadership of CPC is the most conspicuous characteristic of Chinese road to modernization.
What fundamentally sets Chinese modernization apart from the Western model is its cultural foundation. While Western modernization is rooted in individualism, liberalism, and a Christian worldview centered on the atomic individual, Chinese tradition emphasizes common wealth, familial bonds, social harmony on the basis of Chinese collectivism. The value of human life in Chinese culture is deeply embedded in social relationships, particularly within the family unit. Unlike the Western focus on maximizing individual self-interest, Chinese culture prioritizes collective well-being. In aligns with socialism principles, such an orientation naturally gives rise to socialism with Chinese characteristics not just a political preference but also a cultural expression.
The core features of Chinese modernization reflect these deeply rooted cultural values. It is defined as the modernization of a populous country, acknowledging the complexity and diversity of China’s vast population. It aims for common prosperity, in defense of benefits of the majority rather than a privileged few. It seeks to balance material progress with cultural, ethical, and spiritual enrichment. It promotes ecological harmony by fostering sustainable interaction between humanity and nature. Most importantly, it follows a path of peaceful development, emphasizing cooperation rather than confrontation in international relations.
These characteristics are more than policy directions—they are deeply tied to China’s cultural heritage and social realities. Chinese modernization, therefore, is not merely a rejection of Western models but a reflection on the Chinese tradition. It is an open and evolving process, constantly enriched by the lived experiences of the Chinese people and the powerful leadership of the CPC. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all formula, it demonstrates that modernization can be tailored to the specific needs and traditions of the nation. In doing so, it stands as a powerful example for the world: that progress can be pursued without abandoning one’s identity, and that multiple paths to modernization, backgrouded by the diversified global landscape, are more than possible.
Professor Gao Jian
The writer is a distinguished academic strategist and Professor at Shanghai International Studies University. He serves as Secretary-General of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance & Area Studies and Senior Fellow at the China Public Diplomacy Association. His expertise includes comparative culture, international strategy, and China-Europe relations. He also directs several research centers, including the Centre for British Studies and the Centre for European Think Tank Studies.
