Chinese experts, ASEAN diplomats discuss Chinese modernization

What is China's experience in Chinese modernization and how can this be promoted for the modernization of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states? Chinese experts, officials and ASEAN member state diplomats discussed these topics at a seminar as part of the Decoding Chinese Path to Modernization Workshop Series organized by the School of Government and Public Affairs at the Communication University of China (CUC) in Beijing on Wednesday.

Chinese-style modernization is not only a topic of concern for the domestic public in China, but also a focus of global media coverage and an experience that many developing countries hope to learn from, Zhang Shuting, president of the CUC, told the forum.

Through today's thematic seminar and field research in Quzhou, a window can be opened for ASEAN member states to gain a deeper understanding of China, and the cultural, historical, social, and political values that China embodies in its continuous development and progress. "We hope to build a bond of cultural exchange and international cooperation, and enhance the foundations of mutual understanding and trust by further deepening exchanges in various fields," Zhang noted.

Some of the attendants at the Wednesday seminar will attend a three-day field research activity in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province to learn how the city promotes cultural revival during the process of urban renewal, the Global Times learned.

Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center (ACC) Shi Zhongjun also attended the seminar. "China and ASEAN are connected by mountains and rivers. We share cultural affinity and our interests have become increasingly intertwined. ASEAN-China relations are becoming even more mature and are among the most dynamic, substantive and mutually beneficial partnerships. This has made significant contributions to the peace, stability, and prosperous development of the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

At the seminar, Liu Xinxin, an associate professor from the CUC School of Government and Public Affairs, introduced three typical examples of successful urban renewal in China: the Liangma River in Beijing, the Tianzifang arts and crafts area in Shanghai and Quzhou in Zhejiang.

Under the backdrop of modernization, the development and renewal of Chinese cities have brought about complex and challenging new situations. Examples such as the integration of creative and cultural industries in Liangma River and Tianzifang, as well as the urban branding in Quzhou, clearly demonstrate that Chinese cities are actively exploring innovative modernization, Liu said.

These cases vividly illustrate that urbanization and modernization in China not only aim to promote material changes in cities, but also deeper social transformation, including cultural and environmental transitions. This must have Chinese characteristics, she noted.