China’s remarkable economic transformation over the past 75 years has not only lifted millions of its own citizens out of poverty but has also had a profound impact on global poverty alleviation efforts. Since the 1980s, over 800 million people in China have risen out of poverty, a milestone celebrated as one of the most significant achievements in human development.
But China’s influence extends far beyond its borders. Through development financing, infrastructure investment, and knowledge transfer, China has emerged as a key player in international poverty reduction, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Central to this strategy is the belief in fostering development through peaceful means, rooted in centuries of Chinese philosophy that emphasizes building partnerships based on mutual respect and avoiding dominance.
At the heart of China’s global poverty alleviation efforts is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013. With participation from over 150 countries, the BRI aims to construct infrastructure that facilitates trade and economic development, with poverty alleviation as a core goal. By connecting marginalized regions to global markets, China seeks to create conditions for sustainable development and reduce inequality.
President Xi Jinping has highlighted the BRI’s potential to promote shared prosperity, framing it as a global public good. Infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and ports can catalyze poverty reduction by increasing access to opportunities and resources.
China’s approach recognizes that development should be tailored to each country’s unique needs. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all model, China acknowledges that every nation has its own historical, cultural, and social conditions that shape its path to progress. By offering support without imposing its own system, China fosters an environment where countries can pursue development strategies that align with their specific contexts.
As China continues to promote peaceful development and mutual benefit, its commitment to global poverty alleviation serves as an influential model. By focusing on cooperation and understanding, China contributes significantly to reducing poverty worldwide, shaping a more equitable global future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
