Soha Nisar
On 1 July 2021, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) commemorated the centenary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is a key milestone in China’s history that merit worthy of appraisal from its ‘iron brother’- Pakistan. Pakistan became one of the foremost countries to recognize China in 1951. Ever since, both states have maintained an all-weather friendship which has been further reinforced in the wake of Covid-19. Hence, as a tribute, it would be pertinent to acknowledge the immeasurable Chinese success stories by shedding light on the trajectory undertaken by the CPC- which is apparent as the developing states are trying to follow in its footsteps.
Needless to say, PRC under the CPC, has emerged from the ashes to an imminent superpower. Perhaps, the greatest accomplishment of CPC is how the unrivaled power of the Communist party has been able to retain its foundations and resist any political pressure to its jurisdiction- which has ensured uninterrupted growth and political stability. This is owing to unparallel leadership qualities- vision, skills and assertiveness that has been able to relieve public pressures, influence timely policies, and impart clear direction of decision-making at organizational and national level; most distinctive quality being able to reflect and learn from the trajectory set by the predecessors to avoid mistakes and improve. China gives high regard to meritocracy; hence, those with positions in power are highly qualified. It has warranted exemplary social and economic breakthroughs that has lifted 800 million people out of sheer poverty. Over the span of 100 years, it has exhibited land reforms, social cohesion, demographic changes, comprehensive rule of law and skyrocketing GDP that exceeded 100 trillion yuan ($15.45 trillion) in 2020.
The concoction of Marxist philosophy, Maoist ideology and Deng Xiaoping’s theory rejuvenated socialism which were then carried forward and success exhibited via commitment, capability and competence of people.
In 1949, under the incontestable leadership of chairman Mao Zedong, PRC was liberated via the creation of People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Despite several shortcomings, three of Mao’s policies are commendable that fostered pathway to modernity and transformation: women rights, universal education and healthcare. What’s more are the incredible industrial and technological progress under Deng Xiaoping’s ‘second revolution’ in 1978 via socialist market economies and deep integration into global trade. Under Premier Xi Jinping, China is ushering into an era of socialist scientific modernization and new democratic governance- exhibiting fairness, justice, cultural tolerance and freedom of speech. Xi is embarked on promoting multilateralism and absolute gains by reiterating that China is working "to build a new type of international relations and a human community with a shared future, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative through joint efforts, and use China’s new achievements in development to provide the world with new opportunities”. The former developments signify the party’s flexibility and adaptability with changing times, as well as, ability to predict and tackle contemporary predicaments.
In his sermon to commemorate 100 years of CPC, premier Xi asserted that every nation was free to chose the best political system for themselves. As demonstrated by the accomplishments over the century, it is evident that Chinese model has delivered according to the expectations of its people, exhibited meritocracy and competent leadership. Broadly speaking, democracy can be interpreted as the “power to deliver” and since China has succeeded in this regard, it can be inferred that Chinese governance has preceded other forms of political systems.
Fast forward, Chinese model under CPC has been so successful that it has emerged as an imminent threat to the present-hegemon, USA. At present, PRC is the second-largest global economy with GDP worth trillions of dollars. Since 1953, the consistent and long-term five-year-development plans have set blueprints for social and economic policies. The 14th Five-year-plan was passed on 11 March which is mainly focused to sustain economic growth and modernization, “dual-circulation” strategy (to cut reliance on foreign markets), innovation-driven industrialization and rural development. Significantly, Chinese own space station (launched in April) is an enterprising perusal which if accomplished will set the country far ahead of its contemporaries. At this rate, Chinese economy has been predicted to surpass USA economy by the end of the decade.
Moreover, with its vast resources and billion-dollar foreign aid, it can ameliorate human and physical infrastructure globally. For instance, Human Development Index depicts that CPEC has overall improved the state conditions by emerging as an economic accelerator, innovational hub, skill enhancement and job opportunities etc. Despite allegations of Covid-19 emanating from China, Beijing has exhibited greater triumph to combat the contagion as opposed to its great power rivals, the West and India. China has surpassed the IMF and World Bank to relieve the debt crisis via trilateral aid projects, interest-free loans, as well as, counter global pandemic via humanitarian and emergency assistance, vaccines and medical equipment. Due to remarkable efforts of CPC- as a helper and developmental model, today China provides hope to the global South to emerge from the abyss and finally have some say in International Relations.
The writer has completed her BSc in Politics and International Relations from University of London and undergone traineeship under the prestigious National Assembly, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute etc.