On November 11, 2025, as young global citizens track shifts around the world, China's recent policy moves, from October's fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to the preparatory framework for the 15th Five-Year Plan (20262030), reveal a clear, people-centered path toward socialist modernization.
This year, I traveled through the Chinese mainland's diverse regions and witnessed how these high-level strategies translate into everyday progress: from new rail lines connecting rural towns to urban innovation districts humming with startups.
Unlike Western templates that often view liberalization as an end in itself, China's approach weaves economic dynamism, political stability and cultural continuity into a cohesive whole. The October meeting spotlighted high-quality development, tech self-reliance, ecological civilization, national security and deeper opening up—all under a vision of building a modern socialist country.
Take innovation: in Tianjin, Lenovo's zero-carbon factory marries sustainability with productivity, while BYD's electric vehicle hub in Jinan showcases green mobility on an industrial scale. At Beijing's Zhongguancun and other tech clusters, Huawei's strides in 5G networks and digital ecosystems underline a strategic drive for technological sovereignty.
China's model also prioritizes cultural heritage. In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, smart agriculture projects coexist with traditional grazing practices, embodying the CPC's concept of cultural confidence as a pillar of national strength.
Historical legacy meets industrial renewal in Shandong and Liaoning provinces, where community pride and efficient public services reflect a governance motto of 'serving the people.' This balanced urban-rural, coastal-inland development emphasizes inclusion and sustainability over growth alone.
The Hainan Free Trade Port stands as a vivid example of reform and opening up in action, with new customs, financial and digital trade rules aligning domestic modernization with global standards.
On the diplomatic front, China's high-level dialogues and leadership in multilateral forums demonstrate an outward-looking, peace-oriented vision—one that seeks to build a community with a shared future for humanity and contribute to global equity, especially for the Global South.
As the Chinese mainland prepares to launch its 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026, the country's strategic confidence shines through. For young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts and travelers alike, this unfolding chapter offers fresh insights into how a unique system can blend tradition, innovation and international engagement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
