GCI: Another key public good for international community

Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington pose for a photo at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing, China, March 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Xia Lu, Gao Lei

The long-held belief that modernization equals Westernization overlooks the diversity of global civilizations and oversimplifies the modernization process. This narrative wrongly assumes that advanced societies naturally drive progress in less developed regions, without considering the limited impact of their subjective intentions.

Two years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) for the first time at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting via video link. With its open and inclusive vision, the GCI has attracted widespread attention both domestically and internationally, providing a fresh perspective and a new approach for the international community to reassess the essence of civilization. It has quickly become an important public good on the international stage.

As a key practical platform for the GCI, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has attracted extensive participation from more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations since its launch in 2013. Through infrastructure construction, trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, the BRI has not only promoted the economic growth of participating countries but also fostered dialogue and mutual learning among different civilizations.

For example, landmark projects such as the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway have significantly advanced local modernization, created a large number of employment opportunities and boosted regional economic prosperity and development. This model of cooperation fully embodies the GCI's vision of "addressing common challenges and moving towards a better future," offering innovative approaches for countries seeking their own path to modernization.

At the heart of the GCI lies a commitment to the diversity of civilizations and advocating equality, dialogue, and mutual enrichment among different cultures. By offering an alternative to the long-standing Western-centric narrative, the GCI emphasizes coexistence and shared prosperity rather than the dominance of any single civilization.

Through the BRI, China has promoted vibrant cultural interactions among partner countries, organizing events like international film festivals, historical exhibitions and art exchanges. These initiatives not only deepen mutual respect and understanding between peoples but also inspire countries to draw from their own cultural heritage to shape their own unique and sustainable paths to modernization.

The successful practice of Chinese modernization has laid a solid foundation for the GCI, offering a compelling alternative to the traditional Western development model. Prioritizing self-reliance, gradual reform and balanced progress driven by scientific and technological innovation, China's approach avoids the pitfalls of capital-driven growth, social polarization and unchecked expansion.

Chinese tourists pose for a souvenir photo at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan, Thailand, March 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

By emphasizing ecological sustainability, common prosperity and cultural preservation, Chinese modernization presents a development strategy rooted in long-term stability and inclusivity. This model not only underpins China's remarkable achievements but also offers valuable insights and practical pathways for other Global South countries seeking their own routes to modernization, tailored to their unique circumstances and aspirations.

The GCI has created a brand-new platform for the global exchange of cultural achievements and civilizational insights. These interactions go beyond fostering mutual appreciation – they break down misunderstandings and biases, paving the way for more inclusive and cooperative international relations.

A notable example is the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of a resolution in June 2024 to establish June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, underscoring the international recognition and support for the principles advocated by the GCI.

To sum up, the GCI stands as a vital public good offered by China, presenting an alternative vision for international development. By advancing the principles of the BRI, it calls on the international community to rethink and review the notion that "modernization equals Westernization" and opens up fresh avenues for countries to pursue their own paths modernization.

This initiative will not only deepen the richness and diversity of human civilizations but also provide a solid foundation for building a community with a shared future for humankind. In an increasingly interconnected world, the GCI provides valuable Chinese wisdom and practical solutions to foster harmonious coexistence and collective progress among global civilizations.

Xia Lu, a special commentator for CGTN, is a research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China and deputy dean of the School of Marxism at Xinjiang University. Gao Lei, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Opening-up, Research Institute of Globalization and China's Modernization, University of International Business and Economics.