by Timur Shafir
Executive Secretary, Head of the International Department of Russian Union of Journalists, Russia
In recent decades, China has gone through an impressive revolutionary path in its recent history. The uniqueness of this path lies not only in the dynamic economic growth, but also in the fact that the country, its leadership and people have clearly defined their goal — to turn China into a prosperous and powerful state. Today’s China is a clear example of how systematically and confidently it is possible to implement a national development strategy based on long-term goals and close interaction of all sectors of society.
Speaking of China, it is impossible not to note the speed of its changes. One of the unique features of this country is that China is not just developing from one five–year period to another. Here, changes are visible annually, and sometimes even for shorter periods. While in most countries we can observe noticeable changes only in the long term, in China the annual development is striking in its scale. It seems that every year is a new country, with new achievements and even higher goals. It feels like China is simultaneously living in the present and the future, constantly overcoming barriers that seem insurmountable to others.
The uniqueness of the Chinese strategy also lies in its peaceful nature. China’s development does not take place through conflicts, but through cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership. Economic initiatives such as the “One Belt, One Road” show an example of how to build a global interaction in which all parties benefit. Driven by the idea of shared prosperity, China offers the world a new approach to globalization, where development goes hand in hand with peace and stability.
This model of evolutionary growth and support for partner countries differs from many historical examples of the Western – American and European world – where rapid economic development was accompanied by conflicts and aggression. China, on the contrary, demonstrates that it is possible to grow quickly and harmoniously by sharing its achievements and experiences with others.
Every time I return to China, it becomes a confirmation that this great country is striving forward. She is already living in the 21st century, but her plans stretch into the future for decades to come. While most countries are only planning their steps for the coming years, China is already working on projects that will be relevant in the 22nd century. This is evident in everything from ambitious infrastructure projects to investments in scientific research and technology startups.
The future is really being born here in China. And this is a peaceful, prosperous and mutually beneficial future. China shows an example of how to build such relations between countries and peoples, where cooperation becomes the basis for common development. A world united by common goals, where everyone can find their place and contribute to the common good – this is the image of the future that is being created in China.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.