At the opening of the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations in the Macao Special Administrative Region of China on December 16, Zheng Yongnian, director of the Advanced Institute of Global and Contemporary China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), outlined two defining features of Chinese modernization.
"The first defining feature of Chinese civilization is that while embracing the world, it has always upheld its own subjectivity," Zheng said, highlighting how modern China balances global engagement with a strong cultural identity. This approach reflects the nation's emphasis on intercultural exchange without losing sight of its historical roots.
"The second feature is that after achieving modernization, China has extended the ladder it climbed to help other countries realize shared prosperity," he added, pointing to Beijing's initiatives in infrastructure, trade partnerships and development aid that aim to foster inclusive growth.
This year's forum brings together more than 50 leaders from governments, global groups and top experts from about ten countries. Participants are exploring new pathways for sustainable development, cultural dialogue and mutual learning in an increasingly interconnected world.
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Scholar analyzes the two defining features of Chinese modernization
cgtn.com
