On 29 June 2023, Ambassador Li Minggang published a signed article “The Chinese Path to Modernization Brings New Opportunities for China-Vanuatu Cooperation” in Daily Post, Vanuatu’s mainstream newspaper, introducing the characteristics of the Chinese path to modernization and examining new opportunities for deepening China-Vanuatu cooperation in all fields.
The full text of the article signed by Ambassador Li is as follows:
Today, the international landscape is increasingly complicated. Uncertainties and instabilities are on the rise. The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. In this context, China, through decades of exploration, embarks on the Chinese path to modernization that is based on its national reality and brings enormous benefits to itself and the whole world.
It is the modernization of a huge population. A total of 1.4 billion Chinese people, a number larger than the total population of all developed countries, now live in a modernized society. There was no ready experience for such a big country to draw on in terms of modernization. Therefore, we have to cross the river by feeling for stones, which means exploring a new path to modernization that is suitable for such a big developing country like China. Over the past 70 years, China’ development experience has shown that sophisticated infrastructure, which is marked by large marketplace, rich resources and a better living environment, is the foundation of modernization.
It is the modernization of common prosperity for all. We are committed to realizing modernization that benefits all ethnic groups, regions and social groups in China. By the end of 2021, we have lifted more than 100 million people in rural areas out of poverty and eliminated absolute poverty across the country. This achievement is seen as a miracle in humanity’s history of poverty alleviation. To give you an example, we have developed a raft of demonstration programs for beautiful village and developed industries with local rural characteristics, successfully converting rural advantages in resources, environment, and culture into product and industry advantages. In the end, the income and living standards of rural population have experienced an enormous improvement.
It is the modernization of balanced material and cultural-ethical advancement. China is not only pursuing abundant material wealth but also cultural-ethical progress. The preservation and innovation of Chinese culture will also contribute to the development of world civilizations. Recently, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, calling for respect of civilization diversity, promotion of common values of humanity, preservation and innovation of civilizations and closer cooperation on people-to-people exchanges. As the initiator and participant of the Global Civilization Initiative, China will take concrete actions to promote equality, mutual-learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among the world’s civilizations so as to bring peoples from different countries closer to each other.
It is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. China once pursued development at the cost of polluting the environment, but it has realized the significance of ecological protection. Therefore, its modernization is one that pursues sustainable development. We are committed to protecting the ecological environment like we protect our eyes. We have established the world’s largest clean energy system, restored large areas of forests and grasslands, and made a big stride in reversing ecological derogation, including soil erosion and desertification. At the same time, we attach great importance to addressing climate change and propose to achieve carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 in order to fulfill our international responsibility.
It is the modernization of peaceful development. Peaceful development is a historic choice by the Chinese people and a solemn commitment of China to the world. In February, China issued a position paper on the Ukraine crisis, which explicitly express its support for peaceful settlement of Ukraine crisis on the basis of international justice and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This is the most comprehensive and just proposal on the Ukraine crisis to this day. In March, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran met in Beijing for the first time since they severed diplomatic relations in 2016. Later on, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran released a Joint Trilateral Statement, announcing that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations. These are vivid evidence that the Chinese path to modernization is a strong boost to world peace and justice.
President Xi Jinping pointed out that for any country to achieve modernization, it should pursue common development through solidarity and cooperation and follow the principle of joint contribution, shared benefits and win-win outcome. One will not be seen in a more favourable light after blowing out others’ lamp; nor will they go farther by blocking others’ paths. We are convinced that as the Chinese path to modernization moves forward, it will create new opportunities for China-Vanuatu cooperation, further promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Vanuatu. As a result, Vanuatu will achieve greater development progress.
First, keenly aware of the necessity of infrastructure, China is ready to step up pragmatic cooperation in this field. We assisted Vanuatu to build roads in Tanna and Malekula and landmark structures including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Parliament complex. These assistance projects have made key contributions to Vanuatu’s long-term development. In addition, the Presidential Palace and office complexes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, which are under construction, will strengthen the Vanuatu Government’s capability to serve the people. China is willing to further explore with Vanuatu more infrastructure projects that benefit Vanuatu and her people.
Second, keenly aware that civilization is enriched by exchanges, we are ready to further promote people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. This year, cross-border flow of people between China and Vanuatu has bounced back to before COVID-19 level. We expect to welcome more Ni-Vanuatu friends to participate in training programs in China and hope to see more Ni-Vanuatu students pursue their studies in China through the Chinese Government Scholarship Program. At the same time, we encourage more Chinese tourists, investors and business people to come to Vanuatu, delivering more benefits to its socio-economic development. I’m confident that China-Vanuatu cultural exchanges will contribute significantly to the common prosperity of the Chinese civilization and the Melanesian civilization.
Third, lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We are committed to enhancing cooperation with Vanuatu on disaster prevention and relief and climate change. Since the two cyclones, we have made our best efforts to assist Vanuatu in disaster relief and recovery. At the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the resolution to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change was adopted by consensus and we have been a firm supporter of this resolution all the time. Last year, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative, calling for attention to the dire situation facing Pacific island countries and their legitimate concerns about climate change, natural disaster and public health. Under the framework of the Global Security Initiative, we are committed to strengthening cooperation with Vanuatu in relevant areas to boost its capability to respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats.
Last but not least, people's well-being is a country’s most fundamental interests. China hopes to see closer cooperation on people’s livelihood with Vanuatu. Many agriculture and fisheries cooperation programs have been initiated, including the construction of Vanuatu Agriculture College, training sessions on vegetable and rice cultivation and the joint venture of Sino-Van Fisheries Ltd. These efforts have significantly improved local life. Going forward, China will further take into account the development needs of Vanuatu, deepen our cooperation on agriculture, fisheries and tourism and promote the development of rural areas and local specialty industries, thus delivering a more fulfilling and sufficient life to Vanuatu people.