China’s bold vision for modernization goes beyond high-rises and highways—it’s built around its greatest asset: people. Rooted in the concept of “people-centered development,” this approach places citizens at the core of economic and social progress, ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in daily life.
A Modernization for the People
First introduced at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the people-centered principle answers three fundamental questions: For whom do we develop? On whom does development depend? Who shares its benefits? By putting citizens’ aspirations for a better life at the heart of policy, China aims to make “common prosperity” a reality—combining material wealth with cultural and ethical growth.
Examples of Change on the Ground
- Community Dispute Resolution: In Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, more than 90% of grassroots disputes are settled locally through township and village governance centers—reducing bureaucracy and speeding up solutions.
- One-Stop Public Services: Across cities like Sanming in Fujian Province, initiatives such as “one-stop integrated services,” “one-network services” and “one seal for approval” streamline everything from business registration to healthcare access.
- Legal Reforms by the People: During the drafting of the new Civil Code, authorities collected over 1.02 million public comments—ensuring the law protects the broadest range of rights and reflects citizens’ voices.
Driving Inclusive Growth
At its core, the people-centered philosophy fuels China’s governance and policy innovation. From expanding whole-process democracy—through public consultations and courtyard deliberations—to steady improvements in green development and social welfare, this model insists that development must be measured by citizens’ satisfaction and well-being.
A Global Inspiration
While each country’s path to modernization is unique, lessons from China’s people-centered approach resonate worldwide: empower communities, harness local creativity, and share prosperity equitably. As young global citizens and changemakers, there’s much to learn from efforts that unify economic ambition with real-world impact on people’s lives.
For travelers, entrepreneurs, and activists seeking sustainable solutions, China’s model offers a blueprint: build systems that start—and end—with people.
Reference(s):
"People-centered": The value orientation of Chinese modernization
cgtn.com
