Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Explainer: How ‘Modernization’ Became China’s Newest Talking Point

by Cobus van Staden
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang speaking at the Lanting Forum on Chinese Modernization in Shanghai on April 22, 2023. Image via Xinhua.

Qin Gang’s first press conference as Foreign Minister also saw the launch of a new Africa-focused talking point: Chinese modernization is different from and more inclusive than that of the West.

Since then, Qin has repeated this point for example, at the Lanting Forum in Shanghai last week. It may seem abstruse, but the ‘Chinese modernization’ narrative has deep roots in a wider conflict between the United States and the Global South.

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

A Week After FOCAC, Experts Weigh in with More Nuance

W Lead the Conversation on China Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to ...

China’s Outspoken Former Ambassador to South Africa Trashes U.S. Policy in Africa Ahead of Blinken Visit

Even though the United States government seems to have gone out of its way to avoid any mention of China related to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to ...

‘Major’ Chinese Aid on Its Way to Ease South Africa’s Energy Crisis, Says Minister

The Chinese government has offered South Africa equipment like solar panels and generators that can be installed at public institutions to prevent power disruptions, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said on Friday. Ramokgopa said ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.