Thursday, February 13, 2025

Experiencing China

A first-hand perspective on China’s development and global engagement:

by malinga
February 2, 2025 1:09 am 0 comment 970 views

By Amar Gunatilleke
The second Global South Think Tanks Dialogue in Nanjing, China

When a fellow Governing Council Member of the Marga Institute suggested that I represent our organisation at the 2nd Global South Think Tank Conference in Nanjing, China, I did not anticipate the profound and intellectually enriching experience that awaited me.

Having never visited China before, I was well aware of the polarised discourse surrounding the country—often framed through competing ideological narratives.

On one side, a neo-liberal, pro-American perspective warns of China’s expanding global influence; on the other, an opposing view champions China’s State-led development model as a blueprint for success.

Navigating these contrasting perspectives, I approached the conference with both curiosity and scepticism. However, as I reviewed the agenda, it became clear that this was more than just a forum for academic discussions—it was an immersive experience.

The ten-day program promised a deep dive into China’s development model, including visits to four cities, two provinces, factories, museums, trade zones, exhibitions, and even a rural village.

Travelling alongside 36 scholars and policy experts from 25 countries, representing leading think tanks and universities, provided a dynamic platform for critical discussions, comparative analyses, and independent reflection. While our Chinese hosts facilitated the visit, the diversity of perspectives within our group ensured a balanced and intellectually rigorous engagement with the realities we encountered.

Governance model

A particularly insightful session occurred at the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Nanning, Guangxi Province. There, we were told that to understand China, one must first understand the Communist Party of China (CPC). Given that the International Department of the CPC (IDCPC) organised the conference, it was expected that the discussions would highlight the Party’s achievements.

However, the lecture titled “Guangxi’s Practice on President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Chinese Modernisation” offered more than just political rhetoric.

It provided a comprehensive overview of the CPC’s structure, its poverty alleviation strategies, and China’s rapid advancements in economic development and technology. What stood out was not just the content but the way it was delivered—marked by an unassuming calmness and quiet confidence that captivated all participants.

This distinct composure was not limited to the lecture hall. Throughout my time in China, I observed a consistent demeanour among all those we engaged with—from tour guides and conference organisers to academics, CPC representatives, and counterparts from Chinese think tanks. Even the Deputy Governor of Guangxi Province, who hosted us at a grand banquet, displayed the same characteristics—a respectful, patient, and diplomatic approach devoid of arrogance or condescension.

I posed numerous questions during the discussions, some of which could have been perceived as challenging or even provocative. Yet, our Chinese hosts remained unfazed, responding with patience and politeness. If this level of diplomatic engagement was the result of training, then it was executed with remarkable consistency and effectiveness.

One of China’s most striking achievements—one that warrants serious global attention—is its poverty alleviation program. According to the official statistics, over the past eight years, the country has lifted 98.99 million rural residents out of poverty, successfully eradicating extreme poverty in all 832 designated poverty-stricken counties and 128,000 villages. Since its economic reforms began in 1978, we are told that China has lifted 770 million people out of poverty—an unprecedented accomplishment in human history.

This large-scale poverty reduction, driven by state-led policies, targeted development programs, and economic planning, provides valuable insights for countries grappling with high levels of inequality.

Nations facing similar socio-economic challenges would do well to study China’s approach and adapt its lessons to their own contexts in the pursuit of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

At its core, the Global South Think Tank Conference was designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue among think tanks from emerging markets and developing countries, promoting equality, openness, and cooperation within the Global South. Beyond intellectual exchange, the conference sought to enhance people-to-people interactions and encourage knowledge-sharing in governance and development strategies.

Key themes included:

* Peace and security: Strategies for regional stability and conflict resolution.

* Open development: Advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

* Fairness and justice: Ensuring a more equitable global order that respects the sovereignty and development priorities of emerging economies.

* Mutual learning among civilisations: Strengthening cross-cultural exchanges to foster global cooperation.

One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the establishment of the Global South Think Tanks Alliance. Initiated by the International Department of the CPC, the alliance now includes over 200 think tanks and universities from China, emerging markets, and developing countries.

Its primary goal is to enhance South-South cooperation, foster research-driven policy exchange, and contribute to the development of a more balanced and inclusive global governance framework.

High-profile gathering

The conference had unprecedented participation, with over 400 academics and representatives from Think Tanks from more than 100 countries attending the dialogue. This level of engagement underscores the growing role of the Global South in shaping international discourse and policy.

As emerging economies continue to navigate the complexities of global governance, forums like these serve as crucial platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic policymaking. China’s role in facilitating such dialogues reflects its increasing influence in the Global South, positioning itself as a partner in development rather than merely a competitor on the global stage.

Experiencing China through this conference provided valuable insights into its governance model, development strategies, and global engagement approach. While perspectives on China remain deeply polarised in international discourse, first-hand experiences offer a more nuanced and balanced understanding.

For Think Tanks from the Global South, engaging with China’s development model presents both opportunities and critical lessons.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with China’s trajectory, it is impossible to ignore its impact on the global stage.

The writer is Executive Vice Chairman of the Marga Institute

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