Modernization in China has become a central theme in the nation’s development discourse, a journey that began in earnest following the nation’s turbulent encounters with foreign powers during the so-called “century of humiliation.” By the time the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, the country had been left far behind the Western world, both economically and technologically. The challenge of modernizing a vast, predominantly agrarian society was monumental, yet it was a challenge that China embraced with determination.

The journey toward modernization took a significant turn in the late 1970s under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. Recognizing the success of the Asian Tigers and the advanced Western economies, Deng’s strategy was to open China to the world, inviting foreign investment, technology, and expertise. This marked the beginning of China’s integration into the global economy, laying the foundation for its rapid industrialization and economic growth.

Despite the initial dependence on Western technology, China’s trajectory began to shift around 2010. The nation started to emerge as a significant innovator in its own right. Companies like Huawei and Tencent became global leaders in telecommunications and digital technology, challenging the notion that China was merely a copier of Western ideas. This shift was not just in the development of products but also in the creation of new business models, such as Tencent’s WeChat, which integrated social media, messaging, and payments into a single platform-a concept that has since been emulated globally.

The skepticism from the West, particularly the United States, was palpable. Many in the US dismissed China’s advancements, arguing that the country lacked the creativity and innovative spirit that defined American technological leadership. In a speech in 2014, then-US Vice President Joe Biden questioned China’s capacity for innovation, challenging the audience to name a single innovative product that had originated from China. This skepticism, however, was soon to be proven misguided.

In 2015, the Chinese government unveiled the “Made in China 2025” initiative, which set out to establish China as a global leader in ten high-tech industries within a decade. Western governments and companies initially underestimated the ambition and determination behind this initiative. Yet by 2024, China had already become a leader in electric vehicles (EVs), with companies like BYD surpassing global competitors to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer.

China’s economic and technological transformation was not just an internal matter; it had profound implications for its relationship with the United States. Between 2009 and 2017, the US attitude toward China shifted dramatically, from one of cooperation to one of competition and even hostility. The rapid pace of China’s modernization, particularly its technological advancements, fueled fears in Washington that China would soon challenge US global hegemony. This period marked the beginning of what many have called a “new Cold War,” with technology and innovation at its heart.

Historically, modernization has been a double-edged sword, enabling nations to exercise significant power, often with far-reaching consequences. Europe’s rise to global dominance in the 19th and 20th centuries, driven by industrialization and technological advancements, is a prime example. For China, modernization is not just about economic development; it is about asserting itself as a global power capable of shaping the future of the international order.

Since 1945, China has consistently positioned itself as a part of the developing world, advocating for the interests of emerging economies. This is most evident in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build infrastructure and boost economic development across Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America. The BRI is not just a series of infrastructure projects; it represents China’s vision of a more interconnected and multipolar world, in which developing countries have a greater voice and share in global prosperity.

Another significant platform for China’s engagement with the developing world is BRICS, a grouping of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2018, BRICS countries collectively surpassed the G7 nations in terms of their share of global GDP measured by purchasing power parity (PPP). As of 2024, BRICS accounts for 35 percent of the world’s GDP, compared to the G7’s 30 percent. This shift in economic power underscores the growing influence of China and other emerging economies in global affairs.

The question of whether Chinese modernity will differ from American modernity is both complex and compelling. The United States, a nation founded relatively recently in 1776, emerged as a global power through a combination of European migration, the near-extermination of indigenous populations, and a capitalist economy driven by individualism. In contrast, China is a civilization that dates back more than 5,000 years, with a population four times larger than that of the US. China’s modernization is deeply rooted in its Confucian values, which emphasize social harmony and collective well-being over individual achievement.

One of the key differences between Chinese and American modernity is the role of the state. In the US, innovation is largely driven by the private sector, with minimal government intervention. Companies like Meta and Google operate in a relatively unregulated environment, leading to concerns about monopoly behavior, the impact of social media on young users, and the broader social consequences of digital addiction. In contrast, the Chinese government plays a central role in guiding the economy and regulating industries. Companies like Tencent and ByteDance are required to implement measures to protect minors from excessive screen time and harmful content, reflecting the government’s commitment to social responsibility.

The Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held in 2024, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening the process of modernization. The emphasis was on developing “new quality productive forces” and creating a “high-standard socialist market economy.” This approach highlights China’s unique path to modernization, one that balances market-driven growth with state-led planning and regulation.

As China’s development continues to outpace that of the United States, it is likely that Chinese modernity will exert increasing influence on the global stage. China’s success in fields like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital technology suggests that it is not only catching up with the West but also leading in key areas of innovation. The country’s ability to invent new and superior forms of production, combined with its commitment to the developing world, positions it as a potential model for other nations seeking to modernize.

China’s modernization represents a new form of global modernity, one that is distinct from the Western model. While the US will continue to rely on market-driven innovation, China is charting a different course, one that integrates state-led planning with market mechanisms and social responsibility. As the world continues to evolve, the influence of Chinese modernity is likely to grow, reshaping the global landscape in profound ways.

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