China's status as one of the world's most developed countries and largest economies is well-known. With a nominal Gross Domestic Product of trillions of US Dollars, it ranks second only to the United States. China's development drive, characterized by emerging technologies, climate change adaptive strategies, and modern infrastructural developments, has proven that sustainable growth is achievable through people-centered leadership. This leadership focuses on continually improving the living standards of its people. Wycliffe OKetch, a Kenyan blogger, recently shared his first-hand experience of China's charm, culture, and development drive.
OKetch attended an exchange program organized by the Chinese government, which allowed him to experience China's development firsthand. Upon arriving at Beijing's Daxing International Airport, OKetch was impressed by China's captivating road network, featuring by-passes and expressways. The greening initiative, with well-maintained trees characterizing the avenues and streets, was also fascinating. During his stay, OKetch and his colleagues frequently used the subway, which was a memorable experience for him. The Chinese people's curiosity about them was evident, but language barriers often limited interactions to a simple "Ni Hao" greeting.
During their two-week visit to China, OKetch and his colleagues visited Beijing, Ningbo, and Jiaxing cities, catching glimpses of significant historical sites and facilities that characterize China's high development status. With a population of over 1.4 billion citizens, OKetch wondered how the government achieved quality road networks while balancing the cost of living for its citizens. He found the answer in the governance of the People's Republic of China under the Communist Party of China (CPC), currently led by President Xi Jinping. The driving mantra of "Putting the People First" has been the guiding principle for China's sustainable growth.
According to OKetch, China's economic growth and overall development have been driven by the quest for shared prosperity, where collective national achievement hinges on the need to carry everyone along the development journey. This approach has enabled China to eradicate absolute poverty within its borders. President Xi Jinping's book, The Governance of China, volume five, emphasizes putting the people first as the guidance towards formulating and rolling out the country's five-year short-term development plans. This mantra draws from lessons harbored by various Chinese historical features and sites, such as the Great Wall of China and the Red Boat.
The Red Boat is significant to understanding China's development drive, as it served as the birthplace of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1921, setting the country on a sustainable development journey. The story of the red wooden boat and its inspiration for China's sustainable development will last for centuries. The "Red Boat Spirit" has inspired the ideals upon which the CPC party has governed the People's Republic of China, spanning the General Mao Zedong era to the current economic reforms under President Xi Jinping.
President Xi Jinping's quote, "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," underscores the need to protect the environment amidst the clamor for development and economic growth. China is now on course to assist other countries in realizing a similar growth pattern through cooperation agreements. The China-Africa magazine communicates areas of cooperation between China and other developing countries, and the emergence of the South-South Cooperation approach has enabled China to share its development experience with other nations.
In Kenya, cooperation with China has manifested through infrastructural development, such as the Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi and Mombasa, and the Nairobi Expressway. The Zambia-Tanzania railway is another project illustrating the impact of the China-Africa Cooperation approach. OKetch believes that China's global cooperation approach, under President Xi Jinping, will help developing countries like Kenya achieve their dream development status.
Key points
- China's development drive is characterized by people-centered leadership, focusing on continually improving living standards.
- The country's governance, under the Communist Party of China, has enabled it to eradicate absolute poverty and achieve sustainable growth.
- China is now sharing its development experience with other countries through cooperation agreements, such as the China-Africa Cooperation approach.
