Nations entitled to choose own paths

The rise of developing countries and emerging markets has become an irreversible trend since the turn of the century, with the new round of scientific and technological revolution creating more opportunities for the developing world.

Yet the world is struggling with the worst economic downturn since World War II due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and hegemonism, unilateralism and trade protectionism have undermined the world order and global governance. These factors have dealt a blow to all countries, particularly the developing nations that are still in the process of modernization and social transformation, and busy tackling social and economic issues at home and abroad.

Developing countries still have a long way to go to find a path of development that suits their national conditions and play a more active role in improving global governance, which is a common mission of the developing world and political parties thereof.

Political parties represent the people, make and implement policies and thus play a leading role in national governance. The ideals, values and governance capabilities of political parties, particularly the ruling parties, determine the prospects of their countries. This is the view that the Communist Party of China shares with political parties in many other developing countries.

In the post-pandemic world where the political and economic landscapes around the world are likely to undergo radical changes, the developing world will face both challenges and opportunities, so they should expand country-to-country exchanges to modernize their governance systems and improve their governance capacity, and fulfill the mandate given by the people.

First, it is important for a party to stay true to its founding aspiration and mission, and to guide public opinion towards a positive direction. Since political parties derive their power from the people, serving the people should be their highest goal. This is particularly important at a time when the world is reeling from the devastating impacts of the pandemic and economic recession. Consequently political parties should empathize with people’s sufferings and respond to their needs in time.

Second, it is important that developing countries independently choose the path of development that suits their national conditions, and the ruling party fulfills the responsibility of translating the will of the people into theories and programs, and setting the targets the country should reach and the course it should take. This will ensure that the people have the biggest say in national development.

Only the wearer knows whether the shoes fit well or not. There is no one-size-fits-all development model because the national conditions, traditions and cultures of countries are different. No development model can be regarded superior or inferior to others. What matters is whether it suits or not.

Third, strengthening party building is important for political parties, as it helps them maintain their vigor and vitality. Problems in the world are more than a test for a country’s governance system and capability. They are a test for the ruling party’s leadership as well. Hence, political parties in developing countries, ruling parties in particular, should make greater efforts to improve their governance system and capability.

Fourth, it is significant to deepen reform and promote innovation to boost development. As President Xi Jinping has said, the new round of technological and industrial revolution has created a golden opportunity for development and given birth to new drivers of growth. By seizing the opportunity, developing countries can catch up with the developed nations. But if they miss the opportunity, the gap between them and the developed world will widen further.

Under such circumstances, political parties in developing countries should make the best use of the opportunity to not only boost their economy but also achieve economic restructuring and narrow the gap with the developed world.

The CPC maintains close contact with more than 560 political parties and organizations in over 160 countries, a majority of which are developing ones. Many of these parties have praised the achievements China has made and acknowledged the key role the CPC has played in the process. They said China’s success in building socialism with Chinese characteristics provides a new reference for developing nations to explore their own development path.

In particular, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has contained the pandemic and resumed economic activities. Not to mention it has also eradicated absolute poverty. These achievements show the effectiveness of China’s socialist governance system, and have prompted more and more political parties in developing countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC in various fields.

President Xi has said that no matter to what extent China develops and how international situations change, China will always stand with other developing countries and continue to be their reliable friend and sincere partner.

The CPC, with its 100th anniversary around the corner, will continue to deepen exchanges and work with more political parties from other developing countries to expand their common ground, safeguard their collective interests on the global stage, and achieve common prosperity.

The CPC will also continue to make efforts to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and promote peace and development across the world.

The author is Assistant Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

The views don’t necessarily represent those of China Daily.