BY RODY OLIVERA MENDEZ
President of Uruguayan Press Association, Uruguay
From a global perspective, China appears to be an increasingly important actor in international affairs. Its participation in organizations such as the United Nations and its involvement in international discussions demonstrate its growing influence in shaping global debates.
China has become one of the most influential countries in the world, playing a significant role in both national development and global governance. Before visiting China, my first impression is that it is a country that has experienced remarkable economic growth and profound social transformation over the past few decades. Its development has been shaped by long-term planning, large-scale infrastructure projects, technological innovation, industrial development, and efforts to reduce poverty. Together, these elements have created a distinctive approach to development and governance that has attracted considerable attention around the world.
One of the most striking aspects of China’s development is the scale and speed of its transformation. In only a few decades, China has changed from a predominantly rural society into an increasingly urban, industrial, and technologically advanced country. The development of modern cities, transportation networks, digital technologies, and communication systems reflects the importance that China has placed on modernization and connectivity. For someone approaching China from the outside, this transformation raises important questions about the policies and institutions that have made such changes possible.
China’s experience is particularly interesting because its development model does not simply focus on economic growth. It also seeks to connect economic development with social stability, infrastructure, technological progress, and national planning. This approach offers an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between the state, society, and economic development. I am interested in understanding how these different priorities are coordinated and how decisions made at the national level are translated into policies that affect people’s daily lives.
China contributes to conversations on climate change, sustainable development, international trade, global security, and other issues that increasingly require cooperation among countries. Its growing presence means that understanding China’s perspectives and policies is essential for understanding contemporary international relations.
One initiative that particularly illustrates China’s international role is the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this initiative, China has sought to strengthen economic connections and infrastructure links among different countries and regions. Roads, railways, ports, energy projects, and other forms of infrastructure can create new opportunities for trade and cooperation. At the same time, such initiatives raise broader questions about the nature of international cooperation, economic interdependence, and the responsibilities of major powers. Observing these processes directly would help me develop a more informed perspective on China’s role in the international system.
Another aspect that particularly interests me is the relationship between economic development, social stability, and environmental protection . These objectives can sometimes create complex challenges. Economic growth can generate employment, improve infrastructure, and raise living standards, but it can also place pressure on natural resources and the environment. For this reason, I am eager to learn more about the policies and governance mechanisms that China is developing to address environmental challenges while continuing its economic and social transformation.
Climate change is an especially important area in which national policies and global governance are closely connected. Environmental problems do not stop at national borders, and their consequences affect societies across the world. As one of the world’s major economies and a significant participant in international climate discussions, China’s policies can have consequences far beyond its own territory. Understanding how China approaches sustainable development and environmental protection can therefore contribute to a broader understanding of how countries can cooperate in addressing global challenges.
I am also interested in understanding how Chinese culture, history, and values influence decision-making processes at both the national and international levels. Political and economic institutions do not operate independently of the societies in which they develop. Historical experiences, cultural traditions, social expectations, and national priorities can all influence how governments understand development, stability, cooperation, and international relations. Visiting China would allow me to move beyond abstract descriptions and gain a more direct understanding of these connections.
Regarding global governance, my initial impression is that China advocates for multilateral cooperation and a shared approach to addressing global challenges. In an increasingly interconnected world, problems such as public health, climate change, economic development, international trade, and global security require collective action. No country can effectively address all of these challenges alone. China’s growing involvement in international institutions and global initiatives makes it an important country to study, particularly at a time when the international system is undergoing significant changes.
At the same time, studying China’s role requires an open and balanced perspective. Rather than approaching the country with preconceived conclusions, I believe it is important to observe its institutions, listen to different perspectives, and examine how policies operate in practice . Direct experience can provide a more nuanced understanding than information obtained exclusively through media reports or academic discussions. A visit to China would therefore be an opportunity not only to learn about the country’s achievements, but also to ask questions about the challenges and complexities associated with its development model.
Through this program, I hope to gain firsthand insights into China’s governance model and its contributions to global governance. I look forward to engaging with experts, visiting institutions, learning from local experiences, and observing how policies are implemented in practice. These encounters would allow me to compare theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences and to better understand the relationship between national development and international cooperation.
Ultimately, my interest in China is connected to a broader interest in the future of global governance . The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, while many global challenges are becoming more complex. China’s growing economic, technological, political, and diplomatic influence means that its decisions will continue to have an impact on international affairs. Understanding China is therefore not only about understanding one country; it is also about understanding the transformations taking place in the global system.
My first impression is that China represents an important case study in how a country can pursue large-scale development while seeking to strengthen its position in global affairs. Through this program, I hope to develop a deeper, more critical, and more balanced understanding of China’s achievements, challenges, institutions, and international role. Most importantly, I hope that the experience will help me understand how different countries can contribute to building forms of cooperation capable of responding to the shared challenges of the future.
*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.