By Gerald Mbanda
Chinese-built Super Highway in Nairobi-Kenya. Photo Credit: Xinhua
China stands out as a nation actively promoting inclusive development, mutual respect, and shared prosperity in a world increasingly divided by economic nationalism and unilateralism. Its vision extends beyond national borders, emphasizing that no country, especially developing nations, should be left behind in the march toward economic progress. Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and global leadership, China has demonstrated a unique commitment to fostering a more balanced and equitable global economic order.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has consistently articulated a vision of global progress where no country is left behind. This vision is not merely rhetorical—it is embodied in concrete initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), both of which have been instrumental in reshaping the global development landscape, particularly in Africa and other regions of the Global South.
Moreover, the Global Development Initiative, proposed by President Xi in 2021, further cements China’s role as a global partner in development. The GDI focuses on critical areas such as poverty reduction, food security, public health, and green development—issues that resonate deeply with the priorities of the Global South. Unlike traditional aid models that often come with political strings or ideological preconditions, China’s development assistance is characterized by its respect for national sovereignty and emphasis on partnership rather than patronage.
Africa stands to gain immensely from China’s development philosophy. With its young population and vast untapped potential, the continent needs investment in infrastructure, skills, and technology. China has stepped in where others have hesitated, offering not just financial support but also technical know-how and a willingness to take on complex, long-term projects. Over the past two decades, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, and its investments have reached virtually every sector, from agriculture to energy and digital technology.
Importantly, China’s engagement with Africa is not a one-way street. The relationship is increasingly characterized by mutual benefit. African countries are gaining better access to Chinese markets, while Chinese enterprises benefit from new opportunities in emerging economies. Educational exchanges, medical missions, and cultural collaborations further enrich these ties, underscoring a commitment to people-centered development.
The relevance of China’s inclusive development agenda is even more pronounced in the context of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and widening inequality. No single country can tackle these issues alone. China’s call for collective action through multilateral platforms reinforces the idea that development must be holistic and globally coordinated. Initiatives such as the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and the China-UN Peace and Development Fund show China’s readiness to work through international institutions to support global goals, including the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
China’s own development story offers valuable lessons. In a span of four decades, it lifted over 800 million people out of poverty—an achievement unprecedented in human history. This experience gives China both the credibility and the practical insight to support other nations in addressing their own development challenges. Rather than exporting its model, China emphasizes sharing its experience, allowing countries to adapt what works within their own contexts.
Yet, China’s path has not been without obstacles. It faces scrutiny, misinterpretations, and strategic pushback, particularly from those who see its rise as a threat. However, it remains steadfast in its commitment to development as a common good. By prioritizing bridges over walls, and partnerships over rivalries, China is advocating a new type of international relations—one based on equality, mutual respect, and shared progress.
As the world grapples with uncertain economic prospects and intensifying divides, China’s development philosophy offers a hopeful alternative. It affirms that development is not a zero-sum game but a shared endeavor where all can benefit. Initiatives like the BRI and GDI are not just policy tools—they are expressions of a broader moral commitment to building a better world for future generations.
President Xi Jinping’s leadership in this realm deserves recognition. His outward-looking vision positions China not just as a rising power, but as a responsible stakeholder in global affairs. By championing inclusive development and investing in the futures of others, China is helping to shape a world where progress is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all.
