Moroke Sekoboto
THE Chinese government has reaffirmed its commitment to China’s modernisation, demonstrated by advancements such as AI algorithms, 5G networks, e-commerce that enhances accessibility for people with disabilities, and cutting-edge CT and ICU facilities that save lives.
Speaking at a farewell dinner hosted by the Chinese Embassy for 15 Basotho students awarded scholarships to study in China on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, encouraged the students to embrace this opportunity and return with skills that will contribute to Lesotho’s development.
The Ambassador also honoured winners of the Chinese Modernisation Contest, who received electronic gadgets including drones, smartphones, and tablets. The top contestant was awarded a fully sponsored training opportunity in China.
Ambassador Xiaokun explained that President Xi Jinping has emphasised that Chinese modernisation shares some common elements with other countries’ modernisation processes but is primarily characterised by features unique to the Chinese context.
He said the Chinese version is the modernisation of common prosperity for all, aiming to deliver a better life for the entire nation, leaving no one behind.
He added that Chinese modernisation also represents material and cultural-ethical advancement, pursuing the free and well-rounded development of people. Furthermore, it seeks harmony between humanity and nature by building a healthy ecosystem to ensure sustainable development.
“Chinese modernisation is the modernisation of peaceful development — pursuing our own growth while contributing to world peace and progress. To my young friends gathered here today, I advise you to both observe Chinese modernisation with your eyes and comprehend it with your mind,” Mr Xiaokun said.
“First and foremost, Chinese modernisation has been achieved through strong theoretical guidance. China has explored and found its own path to modernisation through struggles and hard work over more than 100 years.
“In 2022, President Xi introduced the theory of Chinese modernisation, summarising China’s experience leading to modernisation. This theory provides answers to major questions about Chinese modernisation and serves as the fundamental principle and guide for our future actions,” Mr Xiaokun said.
“Second, Chinese modernisation has been possible only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC’s leadership ensures that Chinese modernisation advances steadily along the right path, remaining true to the Party’s original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation.
“As President Xi emphasized, only by unwaveringly upholding the Party’s leadership can Chinese modernisation enjoy a bright future and prosper; otherwise, it will deviate from its course, lose its soul, and even commit catastrophic errors.”
“Third, Chinese modernisation has only been achievable through the unity and diligence of 1.4 billion Chinese people. The Chinese people possess a great spirit of struggle. Everything we have is the result of our wisdom, diligence, and great sacrifices.”
“Mr Xiaokun also said as long as the Chinese people continue to carry forward this great spirit of struggle, they will surely achieve the grand goal of realizing modernisation and creating a better life.
Reflecting on history, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
“This great victory was achieved under the guidance of Mao Zedong Thought, with the CPC leading the resilient Chinese people in unity, sacrificing 35 million lives. The victory gave the Chinese people tremendous courage to embark on a new journey and laid a solid spiritual foundation for advancing Chinese modernisation.
“China firmly adheres to this concept and practices it with actions. As President Xi pointed out, China is not pursuing modernization for its own benefit alone. We are willing to work with all countries to achieve a world modernisation characterised by peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.
“As the world’s largest developing country and a leading power of the Global South, China is committed to sharing its experience and providing assistance to facilitate the modernisation of developing countries in exploring development paths that suit their national conditions.”
However, he noted that the world remains complex. While global consensus pursues joint development, some Western powers – particularly one certain country – insist on going against the trend by disregarding global opposition to tariffs, launching trade wars, and promoting decoupling and supply chain fragmentation.
China strongly opposes this “building a small yard with high fences” mentality, Mr Xiaokun said.
He emphasised that in the face of coercion and suppression, the Chinese people have remained undaunted, risen to the challenges, and taken resolute countermeasures.
With confidence from Chinese modernisation achievements and firm belief in China’s development path, China has safeguarded its interests and shouldered its responsibility as a pillar of global prosperity and stability.
“During the Beijing Summit, the bilateral relationship between China and Lesotho was elevated to a strategic partnership. Since then, our two countries have worked relentlessly to implement the ten-partnership action plans, respond to the urgent needs of the people of Lesotho, and push forward the modernisation of both countries through practical cooperation projects such as emergency food assistance of M25 million, the NUL Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, and the Maseru Fire Station and Fire Engine,” Mr Xiaokun said.
He indicated that the momentum of China and Lesotho advancing towards modernisation is growing stronger, the pace steadier, and the future more foreseeable.
“President Xi emphasized that on the journey to Chinese modernization, youth act as ‘spearheads and vital forces.’ On the journey of China and Lesotho jointly advancing modernisation, young people play a crucial role. To the students and trainees present here today or absent, congratulations! Your chance to study in China is a valuable opportunity to engage deeply and immerse yourselves in understanding China’s development path and the principles of Chinese modernisation,” he said.