Chine modernization through the eyes of the international community : perspectives Africa and Kenya

By James Muiga : Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 13-06-2026

Distinguished Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC,

Distinguished Representatives of the IDCPC,

Esteemed Scholars, Delegates, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to participate in this important dialogue at a time when China’s modernization experience has attracted increased attention across the world, particularly throughout the Global South. Today, Chinese modernization is no longer viewed as just a domestic development project. It has become a subject of global studies because it presents an alternative perspective on how nations can pursue development, innovation, stability, and prosperity in the 21st century.

From the perspective of many developing nations, one of China’s unique approaches to international development has been its consistent respect for the sovereignty of other states. Many countries of the Global South have welcomed a partnership model that recognizes each nation’s right to determine its own path of development. This model resonates strongly across Africa, where development partnerships are increasingly valued for the respect they accord to national priorities and domestic decision-making processes. These principles are not separate from Chinese modernization; they are an integral part of it.

One of the most significant innovations associated with Chinese modernization is the evolution of the international landscape into a multipolar international order. In its rise as a major global power, China’s innovative modernization practices represent a long-overdue departure from the zero-sum logic that has traditionally characterized international competition. As outlined in the 15th 5-year plan of the CPC, China’s modernization is a global stabilizing force amid geopolitical uncertainty. In this emergent multipolar world, development is increasingly seen as a process through which nations can achieve shared prosperity through cooperation. China’s engagement with the developing world reflects this philosophy.

Another important dimension of Chinese modernization is its commitment to peaceful development. At its core lies an understanding that there can be no sustainable peace without development, and there can be no development without peace. China’s modernization experience suggests that peace and development are not competing objectives; rather, they are mutually reinforcing foundations for long-term progress.

Within the theoretical context of Peaceful Development, China has anchored itself on four major global initiatives that represent a roadmap on which development and international cooperation can advance simultaneously rather than in isolation. These initiatives are:

The Global Development Initiative that seeks to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development;

The Global Security Initiative that promotes common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security;

The Global Civilization Initiative that encourages mutual learning and respect among different civilizations;

The Global Governance Initiative that seeks to strengthen international cooperation and create governance mechanisms that better reflect the realities of a changing world.

For Africa, these initiatives are not just theoretical constructs. With FOCAC as the bridge between vision and implementation, these initiatives have been evidenced by China’s contribution to the construction and upgrading of more than 100,000 kilometres of roads, over 10,000 kilometres of railways, and approximately 100 sea-ports.

China has also played a significant role in supporting Africa’s energy transition through investments in power generation and renewable energy infrastructure. At a time when the international community is pursuing sustainable development goals while simultaneously navigating volatility in global energy markets, these investments have strengthened energy security and enhanced the resilience of many African economies. China’s historic renewable energy output is a testament of what Sino-Africa cooperation in energy modernization can achieve.

Another important example of mutually beneficial cooperation is China’s continued expansion of market access for African exports. The zero-tariff policy that came into effect on May 1st 2026 has created new opportunities for African exporters while helping to address structural trade imbalances. For Kenya, expanded access to the Chinese market provides opportunities to diversify exports, create employment, and participate more effectively in global value chains. At the same time, Africa’s growing population, abundant natural resources, and expanding consumer markets create strategic opportunities for China. This demonstrates a central feature of Chinese modernization on the international stage – that cooperation is most sustainable when all parties benefit. The Global South now has access to technology, investment, development experience and to the 1.4 billion people strong consumer market. China on the other hand has accessed dynamic markets, strategic partnerships, and opportunities for shared growth. This is cooperation founded not on dependency, but on reciprocity.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As the world continues to evolve, the issue before us is what kind of modernization will shape our common future. Chinese modernization offers important lessons about long-term planning, innovation, peaceful development, human capital investment, and international cooperation. It demonstrates that development can be pursued while respecting sovereignty; that prosperity can advance through mutual benefit; that security and development are interdependent; and that peaceful coexistence among nations remains not only desirable, but essential in transforming the Global South’s citizens into more competitive participants in the global economy.

As we deepen dialogue and cooperation, may we continue to build a world characterized by peaceful development, mutual respect, equality, and common progress for all.

Thank you very much.