Chinese-Style Modernization: Themesand Strategic Fulcrum

Zheng Yougui*

The Institute of Contemporary China Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China

Abstract: Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China has achieved historicprogress and explored a new paradigm for human civilization despite its disadvantageousinternational position, putting an end to the perennial stagnation and backwardness of OldChina. This achievement is attributable to Chinese-style modernization with two themes andone strategy under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The IndustrialRevolution has ushered in a shift from an agrarian to an industrial civilization across theworld. In addition to this common theme, Chinese-style modernization is distinguished asa new paradigm for human civilization in which people come first. It has been built aroundthe strategy of industrial, technological, and infrastructural development. The “two themes,one fulcrum” are the distinctive features of Chinese-style modernization.

Keywords: Industrial strengths, structural shift, the “two themes,” strategic fulcrum, new

JEL Classification Code: E60, F00, N15

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2023.03.03