China’s growing influence on the world stage is increasingly being recognised through its economic success, global development efforts and expanding role in promoting international stability, according to analysts.
As the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks its 105th anniversary, experts say the country’s transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations into the world’s second-largest economy reflects decades of consistent leadership, long-term planning and a strong focus on development.
The anniversary has also renewed discussions about the CPC’s role in shaping modern China since its founding in 1921, when the country was struggling with foreign occupation, widespread poverty and political instability. The Party was established with the goal of improving the lives of the Chinese people and restoring the country’s national strength.
More than a century later, China has become a global economic powerhouse, recording significant achievements in science, technology and infrastructure while dramatically improving the living standards of its population. The country is also increasingly viewed as a key player in global trade, diplomacy and efforts to maintain international stability.
According to China Daily, China’s modernisation has not only transformed the country itself but has also become a source of inspiration for developing nations seeking their own paths to economic growth and prosperity.
Michael Borchmann, the former head of the European and International Affairs Department in Germany’s Hesse state, said China’s progress has been driven by the CPC’s long-standing commitment to putting people’s welfare at the centre of development.
He said one of the country’s greatest achievements was enabling the Chinese people to reclaim control of their future after decades of foreign domination and hardship.
“A defining feature of this transformation has been that the Chinese people took their destiny back into their own hands. They cast off foreign humiliation and oppression, successfully lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, and regained their national confidence,” Borchmann said.
He added that China’s development experience offers important lessons for Africa and other countries in the Global South.
“China offers lessons and inspiration to Africa and the Global South. Its growth is an inspiration for Africa,” he said.
Peter Kagwanja, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, described China’s economic rise as one of the most remarkable development stories in modern history.
He noted that China has moved from being one of the world’s poorest developing countries in the 1980s to becoming the world’s second-largest economy, while expanding its global influence through trade, investment and international cooperation.
Kagwanja said initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, together with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, have strengthened China’s position as a major force in international affairs.
“Through its Belt and Road Initiative as well as its four global initiatives, China has amassed immense global influence, becoming a major player in international trade and diplomacy,” he said.
Kagwanja said Africa can draw valuable lessons from China’s experience, arguing that sustained development is achievable with effective leadership and long-term planning.
“China offers lessons and inspiration to Africa and the Global South. Its growth is an inspiration for Africa. Poverty is not a curse for any civilisation. Africa can also rise and lift its people out of poverty,” he said.
Zimbabwean Pan-Africanist researcher and political commentator Mafa Kwanisai Mafa said the CPC’s 105-year history demonstrates the value of disciplined leadership, strong institutions, accountability and continuous reform in building an effective state.
He said China’s governance experience provides useful insights for developing countries pursuing independent paths to modernisation.
“As nations of the Global South carve out their own sovereign paths to modernisation, the CPC’s century of self-improvement and decades of governance practice will remain an indispensable touchstone for scholarly inquiry, high-level policy deliberation and thoughtful localised adaptation for generations to come,” Mafa said.
