A briefing organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, with the theme of "Chinese Modernization: New Thinking to Break New Ground," is held in Wuhan, Hubei province on May 30, 2023. [Photo courtesy of the IDCPC]

More than 170 representatives from 36 political parties across 28 countries attended a thematic briefing on Chinese modernization on Tuesday in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei province.

The event, titled "Chinese Modernization: New Thinking to Break New Ground," marked the 15th edition in a series initiated by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). The series aims to showcase how regional CPC committees implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's governance ideas and highlight their achievements, while simultaneously offering lessons from the developmental process.

More than 170 political party representatives from around the world attend a thematic briefing on Chinese modernization organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee in Wuhan, Hubei province on May 30, 2023. [Photo courtesy of the IDCPC]

In his speech at the briefing, Liu Jianchao, minister of the IDCPC, emphasized that achieving modernization is a common development goal of all countries. He highlighted how political parties and people of different countries have forged their own modern systems through various practices.

Liu said the 20th CPC National Congress held last October proposed advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. He described how this concept answered pertinent questions about the kind of modernization China seeks and the strategies to achieve it.

As outlined in the report presented to the congress, Chinese modernization includes the modernization of a huge population, common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development.

Liu highlighted that Chinese modernization reflects how Chinese Communists, acting in accordance with China's actual conditions while inheriting and developing the essence of Marxism, focus on fulfilling people's aspirations for a better life, and promoting world peace and development through China's own progress.

He said Chinese modernization is also an important part of the world's modernization process, generating a strong impetus for global development.

Wang Menghui, secretary of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, elaborated on Hubei's practices in advancing Chinese modernization from a wide range of perspectives, including economic growth, science and innovation, and environmental protection.

World political party representatives visit Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics in Wuhan, Hubei province, on May 30, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Liying/China.org.cn]

In an interview on the sidelines of the briefing, Agni Prasad Sapkota, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and former speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal, said, "The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, which calls for new theories, proposals and models. Chinese modernization is a new model that meets the needs of a changing world."

"China has found its own path to modernization, which differs from the Western model. Chinese modernization offers an appealing alternative for many other countries, including Nepal," he said.

Gérard Gbenonchi, vice president of the Progressive Union for Renewal and chairman of the Finance and Trade Committee of the National Assembly of Benin, said his delegation was impressed by the miracles created by China under the CPC's leadership, such as eradicating extreme poverty a decade ahead of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Gbenonchi noted that Benin is also progressing towards modernization, and his party plays a crucial role in that regard. "We have similar views on modernization as China," he stated. "We need to formulate policies in line with Benin's national conditions, and we advocate people-centered modernization."

Marie Pencikova, vice-chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, dismissed the portrayal of China as a backward country by some Western media outlets based on her first-hand experiences.

Pencikova acknowledged China's leadership in many areas, particularly digitalization and green development, adding that she looks forward to learning more about Chinese modernization and adapting some of the experiences to her country.

In addition to the briefing, the political party representatives took part in a tour visiting a wetland park, cultural relics, and scientific institutes in Wuhan. Some will extend their trip to other cities in Hubei for a deeper understanding of Chinese modernization.

Event Recap: Stories of CPC – Hubei's Achievements in Practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era