By Gerald Mbanda
When President Xi Jinping recently noted that China’s opening-up is no longer about “catching up” but about “leading,” he highlighted a significant change in the country’s development trajectory. This statement reflects not only China’s economic progress, but also its growing confidence as it moves steadily toward the Second Centenary Goal. China today is no longer primarily focused on narrowing gaps with developed nations; instead, it is increasingly seeking to shape global trends and contribute solutions to shared challenges.
In the past, China’s opening-up strategy was driven by necessity. At the start of reform and opening-up, the country faced limited resources, outdated technology, and a relatively closed economy. Learning from advanced economies became essential. By opening its doors to foreign investment, technology, and management experience, China accelerated industrialization and modernization. This phase of “catching up” laid a solid foundation for long-term development and dramatically improved living standards for its people.
Today, China stands at a very different starting point. With a vast domestic market, a complete industrial system, and strong innovation capacity, the country has entered a stage where quality matters more than speed. In this context, opening-up is no longer about imitation, but about initiative. China is becoming an important source of new ideas, new technologies, and new models of development, rather than merely a recipient.
Leadership in innovation is a key feature of this transformation. China has made notable advances in areas such as digital technology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure development. These achievements are closely connected to an open approach that encourages cooperation, competition, and exchange. By engaging with global partners on an equal footing, China seeks to push the boundaries of innovation while sharing the benefits of progress more broadly.
At the same time, China’s opening-up is becoming more comprehensive and rule-based. Instead of focusing only on trade volume or capital inflows, greater emphasis is being placed on improving institutions, regulations, and governance. Efforts to expand free trade zones, protect intellectual property, and create a fairer business environment demonstrate China’s intention to participate more deeply in high-standard international economic frameworks. This reflects a shift from adapting to existing rules to helping shape them.
China’s evolving approach to opening-up also carries global significance. At a time when uncertainty, fragmentation, and protectionism are increasing in many parts of the world, China has repeatedly expressed its support for openness and cooperation. Through international initiatives and multilateral engagement, China aims to promote development that is inclusive rather than exclusive, and growth that benefits more than just a few countries.
Looking ahead to the Second Centenary Goal, opening-up will remain a central pillar of China’s modernization drive. However, its purpose has changed. It is now closely tied to national rejuvenation, technological self-reliance, and global responsibility. Leadership, in this sense, does not mean seeking dominance, but demonstrating the ability to contribute constructively to the international community.
Xi Jinping’s statement captures a broader shift in China’s role in the world. From learning and following to innovating and shaping, China’s opening-up reflects a nation that has gained confidence through development. As it moves forward, China’s experience suggests that openness and leadership can advance together, offering new opportunities not only for itself, but also for global cooperation and shared progress.
