Wang Mingdong and Lan Yang: The African Academic Community's Perception and Evaluation of Chinese-style Modernization
The Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) pointed out that Chinese-path modernization is the socialist modernization led by the CPC. It shares common features with the modernization processes of all countries, but more importantly, it possesses Chinese characteristics based on China’s own national conditions. Chinese-path modernization provides a new choice for humanity to achieve modernization; the CPC and the Chinese people are providing more and better Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese strength to solve the common problems facing humanity. Modernization is a global and historic profound transformation in the history of human development, covering many aspects such as economy, politics, society, culture, and ideology. It is a common task faced by emerging markets and developing countries. Africa is the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries; its modernization started relatively late, and it has encountered even more severe reversals and twists in the process of developing its modernization cause. Consequently, the achievements of Chinese-path modernization and the referential experience it offers have attracted widespread attention from African scholars. They have looked "Eastward" and "toward development" [1] to explore the code behind China's "development miracle." This article combs through the research and viewpoints of the African academic community regarding Chinese-path modernization to provide an African perspective for further understanding the rich connotations of Chinese-path modernization and its contribution to the history of human development.
I. The Massive Achievements of Chinese-path Modernization from an African Perspective
Based on comparisons between the past and present, China and Africa, and China and the West, the African academic community first observed the achievements made by Chinese-path modernization. They have conducted multi-dimensional analyses primarily focusing on the economic achievements, political explorations, common prosperity, and peaceful development of Chinese-path modernization, affirming its massive achievements as a whole.
The economic field flourishes, with world-renowned growth achievements
The primary focus of African academic attention is the massive leap in the scale of the Chinese economy. Many scholars marvel at the great achievements made in the field of economic construction as a miracle of modernization. Nigerian scholar Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell Omoruyi stated, "China has successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty, contributing 70% to the poverty reduction of the UN Millennium Development Goals, creating a miracle in the history of world development." David Monyae, a well-known South African expert on China and senior research fellow at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs (TM-School) at the University of South Africa, believes that "China has achieved economic and technological feats unprecedented in human history over several decades and has won the victory of eliminating absolute poverty." [2] Adekunle Oshidipe, a Nigerian scholar and columnist for The Guardian (Nigeria), believes that "In the process of committing to poverty eradication and building a peaceful and prosperous society domestically and globally, China has proven itself to be a model of economic development and global governance." Siyongwaba Mlala of Rhodes University in South Africa stated, "China has successfully escaped poverty and, moreover, has ascended to the heights of the world economy, which can be called the 'China Miracle.'"
Simultaneously, African scholars generally observe the speed of China’s economic development, believing that achieving economic takeoff in such a short period was extremely difficult. Hamidou Doumbia, Political Secretary of the Party for Change (Yelema) in Mali, stated, "China rose rapidly in just a few decades to become the world's second-largest economy, the largest trader in goods, and also Africa's largest trading partner." Fikrejesus Amahazion, a researcher at the Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies, stated that over more than 40 years of reform and opening up, China has undergone unprecedented developmental changes. From 1979 to 2023, China's economy grew at an average annual rate of 8.9%, far exceeding the world economy's average growth rate of 3% over the same period, becoming the main engine of global growth. According to World Bank statistics, 800 million people in China have escaped poverty, creating one of the most spectacular development miracles in modern history. Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, director of the China-Africa Institute at the University of Makeni in Sierra Leone, believes that "In its development, China has insisted on combining the basic socialist system with the market economy. Driven by this model, China transitioned from an archipelago of agricultural communities into the world's second-largest economy in a relatively short period."
It is noteworthy that in recent years, some African scholars have deeply examined the quality of China’s economic development, believing that high-quality development represents the future direction of Chinese-path modernization. An analytical report by the South African Institute of International Affairs pointed out that "China has transformed into a highly sophisticated state-driven innovative nation." David Monyae believes: "In the rise of scientific progress and high-end technology industries, China's shift from quantity-oriented production to quality-oriented production has become evident. In the process of high-quality development, China has earned its world status by landing on Mars and the Moon. In its technological rise, China has taken a leading position in 5G wireless networks and electric vehicles. In terms of strategic policy, high-quality development is reflected in the state's emphasis on and prioritization of low-carbon emission industries, energy-saving infrastructure, smart transportation, and high-quality consumption." Buyile Matiwane, Deputy President of the South African Students Congress (SASCO), believes that China will unswervingly deepen reform and opening up and pursue high-quality development.
Political development advantages become prominent, with institutional efficacy fully released
African scholars generally believe that China's social governance and democratic development have achieved excellent results. Esteves Hilário, a member of the Political Bureau of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), emphasized: "Regarding China's development, we should not only see the rare economic miracle China has created but also the vigorous social revolution and the brand-new social visage occurring on Chinese soil." Ocean (Da Hai), Professor and Director of the Confucius Institute at Suez Canal University in Egypt, stated: "As a country with 56 ethnic groups, a population of over 1.4 billion, and a civilization history of over 5,000 years that differs from Western political systems, China is of great significance to the democratic development of a multipolar world. China's democratic construction has undergone a unique process, gradually forming a socialist democratic politics that conforms to China's national conditions and possesses Chinese characteristics, achieving significant results. The construction of China's democratic system is becoming increasingly mature, and the path of democracy is growing wider." David Monyae believes: "China's achievements and experience in the field of public governance allow it to become a mentor for both developed and developing countries globally." "It is precisely in the fields of the governance system and governance capacity [3] that China has developed strongly, providing a revolutionary institutional weapon in human history to push forward its reform and opening up process. The CPC's governance model appears ready to achieve China's 'Two Centenary Goals,'" [4] and "these goals are clear and coherent, which is the experience regarding policy and legal continuity that China's governance system and governance capacity offer the globe."
In recent years, the development and contribution of whole-process people's democracy has become a new focus of attention for African scholars. Matiwane believes: "The CPC takes 'whole-process people’s democracy' as an important guiding concept and strives to translate it and related democratic values into effective institutions, identifying specific actions to make China more democratic and receptive to other important values." He also specifically analyzed China's basic political systems: "First, China adheres to the system of people’s congresses, where the people’s congresses exercise state power collectively on behalf of the people; second, there is the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation led by the CPC, where democratic parties can play an equally healthy and important role; third, China has improved the system of regional ethnic autonomy; fourth, China implements the system of community-level self-governance. It reinforces the public's ability to understand and practice democracy, demonstrating that China's democracy is extensive and authentic." Based on a comparative Sino-Western and historical perspective, Monyae believes that "China's democracy is significantly different from Western 'democracy.'" "China's whole-process people's democracy is defined as 'maintaining social fairness and justice, and focusing on solving the problems of unbalanced and inadequate development,'" and "whole-process people's democracy is inseparable from good governance—that is, the effective and efficient provision of public goods and services." Furthermore, "China has demonstrated through its whole-process people's democracy how to respond to the pandemic, how to maintain economic growth, and how to provide basic socio-economic rights to the majority of the people. Therefore, China's democratic system deserves affirmation."
Social wellbeing is significantly enhanced, as common prosperity advances steadily
Beyond fully affirming China's economic and political achievements, African scholars also focus heavily on the advancement of common prosperity in China. David Monyae, Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, stated that China is embarking on a new path. After eliminating absolute poverty and successfully building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, [5] China is moving toward high-quality development by upholding the concept of common prosperity. He pointed out that the uniqueness of Chinese-path modernization lies in China’s massive society composed of over 1.4 billion people. The substantive advancement of common prosperity for all people demonstrates the realization of social justice and the all-round improvement of the people in material, cultural, and ethical terms. From this dimension, Chinese-path modernization is fundamentally different from Western modernization. Western modernization centers on individualism, whereas Chinese-path modernization is based on common prosperity. Rwandan scholar Edmond Kagire emphasized that the fruits of China's economic development are translated into a steady increase in the income of ordinary Chinese people and the continuous improvement of people's livelihoods. The purpose of China's people-centered development philosophy is to ensure that development achievements benefit everyone. The CPC is committed to improving the income distribution system to promote common prosperity and perfect the social security system. Professor Mamadou Fall of Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal believes that "From reform and opening up to the battle against poverty, the Chinese government has always led the people to achieve their own development through struggle; this leadership is worth learning from." Oshidipe stated, "China has successfully eliminated absolute poverty and is continuously narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor by promoting common prosperity and helping low-income groups increase their income, which will greatly promote social prosperity and stability." Abu El-Azm Mansour, deputy editor-in-chief of Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, stated that "Chinese-path modernization emphasizes putting the interests and wellbeing of the people first and emphasizes common prosperity. To this end, the Chinese government has taken a series of measures, such as the battle against poverty, developing the central and western regions, and promoting urban-rural integration, to narrow the wealth gap and improve the living standards of all people."
International contributions become increasingly prominent, actively promoting world peace and development
The African academic community generally believes that the massive economic and political progress of Chinese-path modernization has given China the capacity and space to play more active roles internationally, contributing significantly to world peace and development. Oshidipe stated, "China emphasizes collective interests, multilateralism, and mutual respect. For many years, China, Africa, and other 'Global South' developing countries have prioritized South-South cooperation, taking sincerity, friendship, and equality as principles, and adhering to the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, [6] openness and inclusiveness, mutual respect, and common development." Peter Kagwanja, CEO of the Africa Policy Institute in Kenya, believes that "China's concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity is winning hearts and minds in Africa and Asia and resonates with local cultures and philosophies." Vuyo Gshekwa of the Durban University of Technology in South Africa stated: "China has always focused on safeguarding world peace, promoting global development, and facilitating international order and stability. China advocates for multilateralism and free trade, and opposes unilateralism and protectionism." Furthermore, "In the spirit of promoting sustainable development and mitigating the climate crisis, China actively participates in the international community's efforts to implement the '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development' and the 'Paris Agreement' to achieve common prosperity and global development. Through international diplomacy, bilateral efforts, and mutually beneficial cooperation, China has implemented a historic and massive infrastructure plan, the 'Belt and Road' Initiative, improving the quality of life through infrastructure investment and making the image of a responsible major power prominent." Monyae believes: "China's modernization seeks to achieve balance, focusing not only on material development but also on cultural and ethical progress. The Western model of modernization was accompanied by war, plunder, and conquest, as well as the ruthless destruction of nature. In contrast, China's modernization always emphasizes peaceful development."
The African academic community unanimously agrees that the contribution of Chinese-path modernization to world peace and development has particularly allowed the vast number of developing countries, represented by Africa, to benefit tangibly. Ghanaian scholar Baffour...
A research report from the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), authored by Osei and others, points out: “There is not a single African country that does not engage with China, nor is there one that cannot benefit from it.” Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, stated: “African countries benefit from China’s peaceful development and continuous reform, as evidenced by sustained capital flows, robust trade, and the transfer of technology and skills to the continent.” Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria, believes that: “Under the Belt and Road Initiative, infrastructure construction in Africa has shown a historic acceleration; consequently, Africa is the region with the most participating countries in the Belt and Road construction in the world.” A research report from the Horn Institute for Economic and Social Policy in Ethiopia noted: “China has become Africa's largest trading partner and one of Africa's primary sources of investment.”
II. The "Success Code" of Chinese-path Modernization from an African Perspective
The African academic community has explored the "success code" of Chinese-path modernization, attempting to find the answer to "Why can Chinese-path modernization succeed?" through multiple analytical lenses, such as leadership forces, guiding ideology, social subjects, political systems, policy adjustments, and cultural traditions.
The Perspective of Core Power: The Strong Leadership of the Communist Party of China
African scholars generally believe that the cause of modernization must have a strong core of leadership, and the Communist Party of China (CPC) is precisely the "helmsman" of Chinese-path modernization. In this regard, some scholars have conducted a holistic analysis of the CPC's strong leadership. Stephen Ndegwa, a scholar and head of a "South-South Cooperation" think tank in Kenya, believes the CPC has played an indispensable role in transforming China from a predominantly agricultural, underdeveloped country into a global growth engine. Specifically, the CPC's correct leadership, the Chinese people's aspiration for a better life, and the unyielding will to overcome all difficulties and challenges on the road ahead are the primary reasons China successfully eliminated absolute poverty. Professor Humphrey Moshi, Director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, stated that the CPC's governance consistently insists on safeguarding the fundamental rights and interests of the people, allowing them to live a dignified life. This is precisely the "magic weapon" [7] by which the CPC has been able to lead the Chinese people to achieve great results in economic development, fighting the pandemic, and alleviating poverty. Charles Nwokocha, a researcher at the Center for China Studies in Nigeria, believes the CPC led the Chinese people to find a development path suited to their national conditions. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC has led the Chinese people to eliminate absolute poverty, making the century-old Party more vibrant than ever. Hilario believes that the CPC's democratic centralism has ensured long-term national political stability, which is also one of the reasons for the vast disparity in development levels between China and Africa. The secret of China's success lies in its persistent adherence to the strong leadership of the CPC.
Other scholars have delved into the dimension of organizational structure to provide a deep interpretation of "why the CPC can [succeed]." Doumbia stated: "One of the fundamental reasons for the Chinese miracle is often overlooked—that is, the outstanding stability of China's political system. This stability benefits from the CPC, the leading core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics." "The CPC is a Marxist party that adheres to the mass line and always maintains its political character, possessing incomparably strong leadership and a rigorous organizational system." Specifically, at the level of the leadership core, "the CPC leads Party and state affairs and is the highest political leading force"; regarding the appointment of Party members and cadres, "the CPC maintains a broad vision in the process of selecting and appointing cadres, where all members have opportunities for training and promotion," and "the CPC has a set of strict procedures for cadre appointment"; in terms of developing Party membership, "the CPC goes deep into the grassroots to absorb outstanding talents from all strata of society," and "CPC members must not only abide by the law but also adhere to Party discipline and regulations that are stricter than the requirements of the law"; at the ideological level, "the CPC possesses a complete theoretical research system involving Party theory, thought, principles, organization, and disciplinary systems, and attaches great importance to the ideological education of its members"; concerning democratic construction, "the CPC's people's democracy has unique advantages, with the purpose of fully concentrating everyone's wisdom and extensively listening to the opinions of the masses." Therefore, the CPC is the primary factor in the successful advancement of Chinese-path modernization.
The Perspective of Guiding Ideology: Continuously Advancing Theoretical Innovation
African scholars generally believe that Chinese-path modernization benefits from the unremitting exploration and innovative development of the theory and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and from the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and its fine traditional culture. Sanda Grande, Director of the Belt and Road Joint Research Center at the University of Zambia, believes: "Chinese-path modernization presents to the world a national governance system, economic model, and social high-quality development driver that differ from Western societies. The success of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is inseparable from the 'Two Combinations': combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with its fine traditional culture." Richard Todwong, Secretary General of Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), stated that the most important reason the CPC led China to leap to the world’s second-largest economy is its adherence to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Secretary for External Relations of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), stated that the CPC combined the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s developmental realities, led the Chinese people in the socialist revolution, advanced reform and opening up, and firmly followed the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieving great successes. Pius Vilakati, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Swaziland, head of policy research, and editor-in-chief of the party publication The Truth, believes that the successful advancement of Chinese-path modernization should be attributed to the successive generations of the CPC leadership collective's insistence on developing socialist theory within China’s specific practice, allowing Marxism to continuously glow with vitality and forging the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Floyd Shivambu, Deputy President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, believes that China’s success is mainly due to the combination of Marxism with the country's specific realities and fine traditional culture. Under the influence and guidance of Marxism on thought and practice, the Chinese economy has achieved leapfrog development in both quantity and quality. Many scholars focus deeply on the "navigational" role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era for China. Solly Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), stated that the CPC combined the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities, established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and incorporated it into the Party Constitution and the State Constitution, further promoting the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. Onunaiju believes that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC has achieved world-renowned successes in several aspects, such as promoting the rectification of Party style and discipline, leading the Chinese people to achieve high-quality economic and social development, and promoting the democratization of international relations. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, formed during this process, is the fundamental follow-through for China's deepening governance transformation.
The Perspective of Social Subjects: People-Centered Approach Inspiring Creative Vitality
Starting from the perspective of social subjects, the African academic community has conducted a deep analysis of the contribution of the people-centered development philosophy to China's development. They believe that this philosophy not only makes development fruits benefit the people but also gives the people the motivation to contribute their strength to the cause of modernization. Moshi believes: "A close connection has always been maintained between China's leadership and the people, and this connection promotes the rapid execution of decisions." Paul Tembe believes that China's modernization path places more emphasis on the fair distribution of wealth. In China, the people are regarded as the "masters of the country." China has comprehensively built a moderately prosperous society in all respects and eliminated absolute poverty. People-centered development aims to improve residents' living standards, increase their income, and ensure their needs in education, health, housing, and security are met. In China’s medium- and long-term planning, economic growth is for the sake of letting the people live a better life. The key to the CPC's historic achievements lies in placing the people's needs and interests at the center of all work. In other countries, the will of the people is crucial during elections; in China, the people's interests are supreme regardless of time or place. For this reason, China's modernization construction possesses a continuous stream of momentum. Kagire emphasized that the CPC clearly conveyed a central message—all efforts focus on the people. As Chinese leaders have mentioned many times: the country is its people; the people are the country [8]. Mativane stated that the CPC's success can be attributed to putting people's well-being first and the people-centered development philosophy. Michel Philippe Nze, Second Deputy Secretary General of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), stated that the CPC's adherence to a people-centered approach and its consistent prioritization of the people's interests are the guarantees of China's continuous progress. Monica Musenero Masanza [N] (Monyae) expressed that the Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization can be defined as letting indigenous value systems and traditions determine the implementation and development of modernization; it is people-centered development and modernization, rather than modernization for modernization's sake. Edmund Terem Ugar of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, believes that the CPC adheres to a people-centered approach, enabling the Chinese people to live harmonious, prosperous, and happy lives through measures such as ensuring education, medical care, livability, employment, and poverty alleviation, which gives them the confidence and strength to assist the cause of modernization.
The Perspective of the Political System: A Political Development Path with Unique Characteristics and Advantages
The African academic community generally starts from an analysis of political systems, believing that the success of Chinese-path modernization is largely due to China's creation of a political system that fits its national conditions. They emphasize that the Chinese government has assumed the primary responsibility for modernization, formulating a "roadmap" for the entire country and advancing its implementation. This method can better mobilize resources from all sides and form a powerful driving force. Hilario stated that China's success lies in basing itself on its own national conditions, creating a unique political system, and fully mobilizing the subjective initiative and creativity of Party organizations at all levels. Kagwanja believes that China's democratic political system is completely different from those of Western countries; for this reason, the social unrest that occurs in African countries heavily influenced by the West could never happen in China. Tembe stated that a firm, scientific, rational political system that conforms to the country's characteristics and advantages is the key to the success of the cause of Chinese-path modernization. China's governance system is effective because it suits China's history, culture, people, and its over 5,000 years of civilization. The system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the national governance system did not "drop from the sky," but grew out of China's social soil, formed through the long-term practice of revolution, construction, and reform. China's political system is sufficient to deal with both external and endogenous factors and enjoys the deep support of the Chinese people. Ociti [N] (Ocidip) stated that China has unswervingly adhered to the principle of responsible governance. From the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 to the present, China's experience has proven a model of sustainable governance.
Some African scholars have focused their investigation on China’s whole-process people’s democracy, believing that democracy characterized by good governance highlights the difference between Chinese-path modernization and Western modernization. Mahasha Rampedi, Editor-in-Chief of South Africa's African Times, believes that China's choice of whole-process people's democracy is based on China's national conditions and is suitable for China's development. Wu'ma Tigo [N], Director of the International Relations Program at the South African National School of Government (NSG), believes that whole-process people's democracy prioritizes the people and their interests, giving the people more benefits and greater power. Today's achievements in China also prove the tangible benefits that whole-process people's democracy brings to the people. Busani Ngcaweni, Principal of the South African National School of Government, believes that whole-process people's democracy differs from Western democracy in that the former can better represent the interests of the people and suits China's national conditions. Kirtan Bhana, Director of the South African Diplomatic Society, stated that the important achievements China has made in various fields over the past few decades are inseparable from whole-process people's democracy. Professor Mondli Hlatshwayo of the University of Johannesburg believes that China's whole-process people's democracy is a genuine form of democracy. Dennis Munene Mwaniki, Executive Director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute in Kenya, believes that China has a different path of democratic and modernization development. It insists on following a modernization model that aligns with its own development goals, reflecting a significant difference between Chinese-path modernization and Western modernization.
The Perspective of Policy Adjustment: Clear Strategic Planning and Precise Implementation Paths
African academia generally maintains that a major factor in the achievements of Chinese-path modernization is the ability to formulate and implement scientific, systematic, and efficient development strategies. These include planning precise implementation paths while achieving uninterrupted policy adjustments and reforms to propel progress toward adapting to new realities and fully unleashing policy vitality. A diagnostic report from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding China’s population policy points out that since the late 1970s, China has continuously reformed and adjusted its population policy. While making full use of an abundant labor force, it simultaneously set about improving labor quality, fully accounting for the fact that China's frontier economic regions will eventually need to be driven by the quality of labor rather than its quantity. Donald Rushambwa, a researcher at the China-Africa Economic and Cultural Exchange Research Center in Zimbabwe, stated that at different stages of social development, the path of Chinese-path modernization has had different emphases. Before Reform and Opening-up [9], independence and self-reliance were important components of modernization; after Reform and Opening-up, developing the economy and making the people wealthy became significant goals; in recent years, China has focused more on distributive justice and the improvement of people's livelihoods. Doumbia stated that China's political system possesses outstanding stability, which is prominently reflected in the continuity of policy implementation and the controllability of unforeseen risks, helping to fully excavate the social, economic, and cultural development potential of the entire nation.
The Perspective of Cultural Traditions: Rich Nourishment Provided by Fine Traditional Chinese Culture
African academic circles also start from the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, arguing that in the process of modernization, China has drawn upon the wisdom of fine traditional culture, thereby creating the continuity and inheritance of Chinese-path modernization. Mansour stated that Chinese-path modernization is not a simple carbon copy of Western models, but rather a combination of China’s own traditional culture and value concepts, forming a modernization path that accords with China’s national conditions. Chris Matlhako, General Coordinator of the South African Peace Initiative and former Second Deputy General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), pointed out that China values its own history and traditional culture, upholds its own traditional political culture, refuses to accept wholesale Westernization, and explores a development path suitable for itself. Mohamed Saadi Cheikh Youba, a Mauritanian scholar, believes that China’s traditional civilization of over 5,000 years emphasizes the "unity of heaven and humanity" [10] and "animism," where the relationship between man and nature is a dialectical relationship of interdependence. The path of Chinese-path modernization emphasizes mutual benefit and win-win results between man and nature, strives to properly handle the relationship between economic construction and ecological construction, and persists in taking the path of prioritizing ecology and green development.
III. The Global Significance of Chinese-path Modernization from an African Perspective
African academia believes that Chinese-path modernization has helped China become an important engine for promoting world and African development and a leading force in constructing a new international order. This marks a major innovation in global modernization theory and practice.
An Important Engine Driving World and African Development
African scholars believe that a continuously opening and developing China has become a new pole of global economic growth. Monyae believes that Chinese-path modernization helps promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and promotes the economic development of all countries. Chinese-path modernization and the Sino-African partnership have the potential to reshape the global economic landscape. Major initiatives proposed by China, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), promote global interconnectivity, allowing all countries to benefit extensively and pushing the world toward becoming a development community. Onunaiju believes that the breadth and vision of the BRI can be called an important milestone in humanity's exploration of international cooperation models. The cooperation framework constructed by this initiative allows the pursuit of common interests to accommodate the diversity of human civilizations, becoming a key practice for China to promote the restructuring of the world economic order. Matiwane stated that a prosperous China will create more opportunities for the world. Gerrie Swart [11] believes that as the world’s second-largest economy, China has the capacity to provide alternative solutions for issues such as economic development, environmental protection, climate change, and common prosperity, ultimately achieving world peace and building a community with a shared future for humanity. As the path of Chinese-path modernization broadens, China’s development prospects will surely improve and help the international community obtain more benefits.
A general view held by African academia based on local realities is that Chinese-path modernization has scaled up China-Africa cooperation and played a significant role in African economic growth. Monyae believes that against the backdrop of the continuous advancement of Chinese-path modernization and the accelerated development of Africa, African countries have obtained a large amount of development project funding from China. China promotes technology transfer and facilitates African industrialization and various capacity-building efforts. Hassan Khannenje, Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, believes that the path of Chinese-path modernization will help tap the development potential of Africa and the Global South. Kagwanja believes that Kenya has adopted a "Look East" policy, seeking funding, investment, markets, and technology from China. Through the BRI, Kenya has achieved extensive policy consultation, infrastructure construction, trade promotion, financial investment, and people-to-people exchanges, thereby achieving economic development. Nigerian policy analyst Ovigwe Eguegu and others believe that China’s BRI can and should continue to make positive contributions to infrastructure financing. Philani Mthembu, Executive Director of the Institute for Global Dialogue in South Africa, believes that the African continent can utilize the BRI to support regional continental and maritime connectivity projects agreed upon by Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union (AU).
A Leading Force Promoting the Construction of a New International Order
African scholars believe that beyond its direct role in boosting the global economy, the deep-seated value of Chinese-path modernization lies in its ability to push the international order toward a fair and rational direction. Matiwane stated that China's national strategy of opening to the rest of the world, and its pursuit of healthy, friendly cooperative relations with other countries, reflects China's quest for peaceful coexistence. Addressing the unstable global situation, Chinese leaders have promoted the Global Security Initiative (GSI) to achieve peace and stability, the primary goal of which is to ensure the creation of a stable global environment, ultimately mitigating global uncertainty and allowing people to see infinite future opportunities. South African veteran journalist Mogodiri stated that the current international environment is changing rapidly and international relations are being reorganized, thereby threatening Western hegemony. In the process of advancing a foreign policy with peaceful development initiatives as an important component, China has always firmly safeguarded the international system with the United Nations at its core, resolutely opposed unilateralism and hegemonic acts, and focused on reforming existing international multilateral organizations to make them more complete. Monyae believes that Chinese-path modernization is a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. China seeks its own development while firmly safeguarding world peace and development, and uses its own development to better maintain world peace and development. Chinese-path modernization will provide a new paradigm for the world—a paradigm that abandons "zero-sum games," benefits all parties in jointly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and achieves global common prosperity. China always emphasizes peaceful development, and the GSI proposed by China has contributed an important force to the construction of a world security landscape. Gibson Nyikadzino, a Zimbabwean international relations scholar, stated that the GSI provides a new path for the international community to bridge differences, resolve disputes, and jointly respond to security challenges. Gerald Mbanda, a veteran Rwandan journalist, stated that China always adheres to true multilateralism and emphasizes resolving problems through dialogue and consultation. This helps to contain unilateralism and protectionism and promotes the development of the international order in a more just and rational direction. Ndegwa believes that under circumstances where challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have brought uncertainty and divisions caused by geopolitical competition are widening, the CPC has reaffirmed the GDI and GSI to promote global peace and development. As part of the efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, these two initiatives are widely seen as China's solutions to the problems facing the cause of world peace and development. Since its proposal, the GDI has been positioned as a comprehensive catalyst for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. This initiative is of significance that cannot be underestimated for a world in distress, as protracted conflicts, the impacts of climate change, spreading poverty, and widespread resource shortages threaten to exacerbate existing world inequalities and adversely affect the development potential of many countries.
A Major Innovation in World Modernization Theory and Practice
African scholars believe that the achievements of Chinese-path modernization powerfully prove to the world that "modernization ≠ Westernization." This suggests to African countries that modernization paths are diverse, and Africa must independently choose a modernization path suited to its own realities according to its national conditions. Youba believes that Chinese-path modernization has effectively shattered the notion that "modernization = Westernization." Chinese-path modernization has both opened up a unique modernization development path and demonstrated the modern value of Chinese civilization. It possesses even more important practical guiding significance, inspiring Africa to follow the path of peaceful development, a modernization path suited to its own national conditions, and to explore a way for man and nature to coexist in harmony while placing the people at the center of development. Monyae believes that for South Africa and other African countries, Chinese-path modernization has proven the existence of alternative modernization models. First, modernization does not mean Westernization; second, the norms of the post-Cold War International Monetary Fund and Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) were never Africa's only choice; third, no matter how attractive Chinese-path modernization is to Africa, it should not be copied wholesale. Africa should find the most suitable aspects of both Chinese and Western modernization to create a unique modernization path suited to its own cultural norms and values. Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stated that Chinese-path modernization shows there is no one-size-fits-all development model; every country should choose a path that suits its national conditions and realities. African countries can both draw on China's experience and explore a development path suited to their own history, culture, and aspirations. Adhere stated that the path of Chinese-path modernization shows a country can rise peacefully, cooperate with other countries, achieve win-win results, and develop together. Mogodiri stated that the CPC emphasizes achieving modernization through the path of peaceful development; this plan possesses both the common characteristics of modernization in all countries and Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions. This plan breaks the Western monopoly on modernization theory and practice. The West believes there is no choice other than their model; Chinese-path modernization challenges their arrogance, exposes this myth, and creates a modernization model for developing countries that value independent development paths. Nwokoke believes that African countries share similar historical experiences with China and face common development tasks. It is feasible for African countries to draw on the experience of the CPC and the Chinese government in exploring development paths that suit their own national conditions; Africa should actively learn from China. Swart believes that the successful experience of Chinese-path modernization construction powerfully proves there is more than one path to achieving modernization, and every country has the right to follow its own path based on its national conditions. No single modernization model is the only model, and there is no modernization standard that fits all countries. The path of Chinese-path modernization will encourage South Africa to seek solutions to development problems based on its own national conditions and value systems, rather than simply copying the development models of other countries.
IV. Main Characteristics of African Academic Research on Chinese-path Modernization
Based on existing research results, African academic cognition and evaluation of Chinese-path modernization encompass multiple dimensions—including its characteristics, achievements, causes, and objectives—and have reached many positive conclusions regarding the continuity and transcendence, as well as the uniqueness and commonality, of Chinese-path modernization. Although some scholars have been influenced by a small amount of negative public opinion, leading to biased understandings of Chinese-path modernization, and others—due to the limited time since the concept was proposed—tend to offer superficial praise for its achievements rather than conducting theoretical research, most African scholars have reached objective and positive conclusions. Overall research also exhibits the characteristic of gradual deepening.
Specifically, in terms of research perspectives, African academia has highlighted—
The “Three Contrasts”: First is the dimension of contrasting the ancient and the modern. African academia has delved deep into the historical trajectory and cultural foundations of Chinese-path modernization. They focus not only on China’s current developmental achievements but are also committed to tracing the internal links between the civilizational wisdom of ancient China and its modern transformation. Through comparative research in this dimension, African scholars have not only deepened their understanding of the uniqueness of Chinese-path modernization but have further revealed the tension and balance between tradition and modernity, as well as inheritance and innovation, within the modernization process. Second is the dimension of contrasting China and the West. African academia has conducted in-depth comparative analyses of Chinese-path modernization and Western modernization models. They point out that while Chinese-path modernization persists in independence and peaceful development, it has achieved rapid economic and social development and significant improvements in the people’s standard of living; this stands in sharp contrast to the hegemonic expansion and resource plunder found under Western modernization models. This contrast not only highlights the superiority of Chinese-path modernization but also triggers profound reflection on the choice of modernization paths for African countries. Third is the dimension of contrasting China and Africa. African academia is committed to exploring the commonalities and differences between China and Africa in the modernization process. They have found that while significant differences exist in history, culture, and social systems, there is a high degree of convergence in the goals of pursuing modernization and achieving national prosperity and strength. Consequently, they emphasize that both sides can and should share experiences and lessons from modernization based on mutual respect for differences, realizing complementary advantages to achieve the goal of "joining hands for modernization."
In terms of research methodology, African academia has highlighted the “Four Concurrent Elements.” First is the concurrence of macro-holistic exploration and case-study analysis. In studying Chinese-path modernization, African scholars have both conducted in-depth explorations from a macro-holistic perspective and demonstrated concrete practices through case-study analysis. This methodology not only helps grasp the overall trajectory and developmental trends of Chinese-path modernization but also reveals the specificities and differences across different fields and regions. Thus, African academia is able to understand the uniqueness and universality of the theory and practical experience of Chinese-path modernization more comprehensively and deeply, while also using the concrete experience gained from case studies to guide their own countries' modernization practices. Second is the concurrence of multi-dimensional explorations of history, the present, and the future. African academia emphasizes a comprehensive exploration across these three dimensions. They deeply analyze the historical origins, developmental stages, and future trends of Chinese-path modernization, thereby revealing the continuity and transformative nature of the process. This multi-dimensional exploration not only assists in understanding the historical roots and realistic challenges of Chinese-path modernization but also provides valuable historical experience and forward-looking reflection for African countries' own paths. Third is the concurrence of institutional dissection and policy interpretation. African academia focuses on both the construction and operation of institutions and the interpretation and analysis of policies. They deeply analyze the institutional characteristics and policy effects in the process of Chinese-path modernization, revealing the important role of institutions and policies in driving the modernization process. This method helps understand the institutional advantages and policy orientations of Chinese-path modernization and provides recommendations for institutional building and policy formulation in Africa. Fourth is the concurrence of comparative research and quantitative analysis. African scholars are adept at applying these methods. By comparing China’s process with those of other countries and regions, they reveal its uniqueness and universality. Simultaneously, they utilize quantitative analysis tools and questionnaires to perform quantitative analysis on various indicators in the modernization process, thereby obtaining accurate data support and empirical evidence.
In terms of research breadth, African academia has achieved the “Three Expansions.” First is the expansion of research fields. They have demonstrated a broad research vision, realizing a deep expansion of fields. They focus not only on traditional areas such as economics and politics but also extend their reach to culture, society, ecology, and diplomacy, constructing an all-encompassing, multi-angled research framework. This relatively comprehensive research helps African countries observe and learn from China's experience across multiple dimensions to achieve coordinated development in all these spheres. Second is the expansion of disciplinary paradigms. African academia has not been limited by traditional disciplinary boundaries, courageously exploring new paradigms. They have crossed the boundaries of political science, economics, and sociology, achieving interdisciplinary integration. While providing new theoretical tools and methodological support, this has also driven innovation and development in academic research, promoting the exchange and sharing of knowledge. Third is the expansion of research methods. They actively conduct cross-disciplinary research, combining quantitative and qualitative studies, and applying interdisciplinary methods, participant observation, big data analysis, case studies, and comparative methods. This has achieved the intersectional application and deep fusion of various methods, forming a comprehensive spectrum of research methodologies. This provides more comprehensive and profound insights into Chinese-path modernization, demonstrating the openness and innovativeness of their academic research. For example, in studying China's "poverty alleviation assault" [13] and "rural revitalization" [14] strategies, African scholars have combined methods from agricultural economics, sociology, and geography to analyze rural industrial development, changes in rural social structures, and rural ecological protection. This research vision has allowed them to overcome, to a certain extent, the lack of breadth and depth caused by disciplinary boundaries.
In terms of research depth, the African academic understanding of Chinese-path modernization has undergone a process of continuous deepening. Based on the history and reality of all-around cooperation between China and Africa in trade, ideology, and people-to-people exchanges, they have reached many profound understandings. Furthermore, on the basis of shedding inherent Western positional presuppositions and ideological prejudices, they are gradually drawing on the experiences and enlightenment of Chinese-path modernization to reach the understanding of exploring modernization paths suited to their own national conditions. The insights of some scholars are highly dialectical and forward-looking, and some research results even directly target policy transformation to guide their own national modernization efforts. Thus, it is evident that African academia has already mapped out a cognitive landscape of Chinese-path modernization from multiple angles, levels, and aspects.
More importantly, behind and within these research characteristics and trends lies the African academic community's advocacy for and exploration of autonomy and independence in African modernization. The autonomy and independence of modernization constitute the spiritual bedrock of self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-strengthening for a nation and state during the modernization process. For a long time, Africa can be described as a region that "contributed early" and "contributed greatly" to the global cause of modernization, yet remains "extremely lagging." The spiritual cause of this contradiction and paradox is the lack of autonomy and independence in African modernization. Africa's modernization began late and has faced the problem of blindly copying Western modernization measures or even systems. If African academia were to continue following China's practices and experiences without thought or regard for their own national conditions, the autonomy and independence of African modernization would still fail to be nurtured. However, according to existing research materials, African academia is gradually attempting to break away from the past paradigm of blindly copying so-called "advanced experiences." Their advocacy reflects, emphasizes, and integrates the cultivation of African autonomy and independence. One example of this is the exploration of the adaptability of Chinese-path modernization experiences to African countries. The consensus gradually being reached in African academia is that learning from China must consider African national conditions and culture and must be done step-by-step. Therefore, while the cultivation of the spirit of autonomy and independence in African modernization is a long-term process, at the very least, the advocacy of African academia already reflects the attempts and efforts of African countries to move in this direction.
The friendship between China and Africa has a long history and becomes even firmer as time goes by. Today, China-Africa cooperation has become a leader in South-South cooperation and international cooperation with Africa; the construction of a China-Africa community with a shared future has entered the "fast track." General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "The paths toward modernization are rich and diverse. As to what kind of development path is most suitable for Africa, the African people have the greatest say." In the future, China and Africa should further strengthen international exchange and cooperation on modernization development, making good use of the unique advantages of similar histories, long-standing friendship, and a shared future. They should deepen solidarity and collaboration, promote the flourishing development of cooperation in various fields, and continue to set a model for promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity through the tangible implementation of a China-Africa community with a shared future.