Peking University, December 12, 2022: The Third Think-Tanks Forum on National Governance in Developing Countries, co-organized by the Central Party School of the CPC (China National Academy of Governance), Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, and Peking University (PKU) was held recently. Themed “Paths to Modernization in Developing Countries: Philosophies and Practices,” the forum aimed to push for cooperation and exchange surrounding national governance in developing countries.
The forum was held in a hybrid format and saw government officials from over 20 developing countries and esteemed academics from Western and Chinese think tanks discuss the achievements and lessons of China’s modernization as well as how to find suitable modernization pathways for developing countries.
Sun Qingwei gives his address
In his address, PKU Vice President Sun Qingwei pointed out that in China’s modernization, it has always emphasized peaceful development, mutual benefit, and actively tried to build the community with a shared future for mankind, advocating for mutual learning between countries for mutual development and progress. Sun hoped that teachers and students in attendance would be able to contribute solutions and suggestions for national governance and developmental issues in developing countries.
Justin Yifu Lin speaks
Dean of PKU Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development Justin Yifu Lin summarised the 5 key traits of Chinese modernisation – a large population base, the aim for common prosperity, the balance between material and mental civilisation, symbiosis between nature and mankind, and the peaceful development path to modernization. Lin attributed the success of China’s modernisation to market-government balance and China’s phase-specific economic choices. He noted that developing countries must consider their own economic contexts and comparative advantages in modernisation, and avoid simply copying western methods.
Teka Gebreyesus Entehabu
Teka Gebreyesus Entehabu, former Ethiopia State Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, who is pursuing PhD studies at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, acknowledged that in the road to modernization, many developing countries will be restricted by traditional societal values. China’s successful modernization as a developing country can not only be attributed to its sound leadership and infrastructural development, but also its people-centered development philosophy, clear understanding of its national condition, and its global perspective. Entehabu was convinced that China’s modernization experience would help and inspire many developing countries.
Written by: Glenda Ho
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Source: PKU News (
Chinese)
