The world is going to witness China celebrating its 75th platinum jubilee – a milestone that highlights its extraordinary transformation into a global power. This anniversary stands as a testament to the resilience and vision that have re-shaped the nation. Over the past 75 years, the People’s Republic of China has emerged as an influential force, altering the trajectory of history for both its citizens and the world at large. From its war-ravaged beginnings, China has risen to become a beacon of innovation, leadership, and shared progress.
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
On the first of October 1949 a new governance system was established when The People’s Republic of China was formed. On that basis, it took the Chinese many years of suffering and revolution back to the stage of breathing before they saw clearly how to leap over all other races. In just three generations moving from that time of war and desolation to today as one of the world’s most successful people is a remarkable achievement.
Thanks to the Communist Party, China has re-written its poverty and filth into a global powerhouse. It’s a story of rising above a troubled past and stepping into a new future.
One Belt, One Road initiative:
At the centre of China’s ambitious view lies the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a giant concept to rejuvenate the ancient Silk Road with new global connectivity. More than infrastructure, it is a lifeline to future where countries are united by trade, cooperation and inclusive-development, linking Asia with Europe and Africa and beyond.
The digital future, marking its role as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI); smart manufacturing; Internet of Things (IoT) applications; cloud and big data; and blockchain. The leadership of China is similar to the role the United States played at the previous World’s Expo – when the world turned to them for celebrating excellence in innovation.
Key lessons for transformation include China’s use of public-private partnerships from recognition to scale. While China’s model is being scrutinised and vetted by Western philosophers and economists, it’s important to recognise that it represents a different philosophy of investment than one actioned through government funding or NGO philanthropy.
What does require a shift in stance is simply exchanging the word “together” for the phrase “for all”. The one distinction changes meaning and the intentions; and as the old saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall.”
China is positioning itself not just as an actor in the international theatre, but as a leader. The Digital Silk Road is just one example of China extending its technical leadership to partners across the globe, providing innovative technologies that will radically alter the way we live, work, and communicate.
A Superpower with Humanity
A closer look at the endeavours of this major economy shows that China’s ambitions go beyond just enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. The country also aims to offer opportunities to people worldwide. This is evident in its strong focus on Asia where it plans to revive the historical Silk Road and establish new routes for unprecedented growth.
Let’s explore some of these significant initiatives in China. The Asian Development Bank estimates that around $26 trillion will be required to build transport infrastructure across Asia by 2030 to meet the increasing demand for transportation several regional cooperation organisations in Asia have launched projects to improve road connectivity with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) being the most prominent.
The BRI seeks to link not only Asia but also Europe, Africa and Latin America through a vast network of roads and sea routes. It accounts for more than a third of global economic expansion and encompasses two-thirds of the world’s population.
The project focuses on collaboration at the level involving 71 countries. The goal is to create a unified transportation connectivity policy among these nations. Moreover, effective communication and coordination will be essential for infrastructure development with standardised technical systems put in place. A core tenet of the BRI is promoting trade by eliminating barriers to commerce. Funding for these initiatives is sourced from various Chinese state-owned and private banks and financial institutions as well as contributions from international entities like the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
An early projection indicates that the expenses for the project could range from billion to billion. Up to now, China is said to have invested more than billion in this endeavour. In reaction to this ambitious undertaking certain Western nations and organisations have ramped up their propaganda efforts against it often embellishing the situation without substantial evidence.
Pakistan and China: A Brotherhood Forged in Iron
To Pakistan, China is not a friend but a brother. The relationship between both countries is iron-clad based in mutual respect, trust, and shared vision. CPEC is a shining example of how the China-Pakistan friendship keeps blooming big time. Folks in Pakistan have always had immense respect for China’s hustle and its determination to move forward. These two countries have been strolling side by side down Prosperity Lane, and as everyone tunes into China’s growth story, Pakistan is all set to tag along for the ride.
China is poised to finalise a major initiative in Pakistan its longstanding ally and an important player in South Asia referred to as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This is a large-scale project aimed at ensuring the efficient transport of oil and gas from Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to China’s northwestern autonomous region Xinjiang using railways and highways. The CPEC plays a role in strengthening the Pakistan-China relationship stretching a distance of 2,442 kilometres from Gwadar to Kashgar. Completion of the project is anticipated to take several years with an estimated cost of $46 billion. Notably during the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister to Pakistan in May 2013 several memorandums of understanding were signed between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Chinese Prime Minister. These agreements included the transfer of Gwadar Port and other projects under CPEC. Key initiatives within this corridor are advancing through collaboration.
