Evolving Strategic Goals of Chinese-Style Modernization and New Missionsof China’s Industry

Shi Dan*

Institute of Industrial Economics (IIE), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China

Abstract: Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China hasmade ground-breaking progress in its modernization theory and practice with evolvingstrategic goals. As China sets off on its new journey toward the second centenary goal, themanufacturing industry has been given a new mandate for Chinese-style modernizationunder the “five major development concepts”. Based on the universal principles ofmodernization and the distinctive views and methodologies of Marxism, this paper offers anoutline on Chinese-style modernization. This study goes beyond existing academic researchon modernization by providing more cogent explanations of the theoretical, historical, andpractical implications of Chinese-style modernization. Only a political party that centerson the interests of the people will pave the way for modernization in which the people comefirst. While leading a drive for the country’s modernization, the CPC advocates a new pathof industrialization, refreshing the country’s industrial strategy since the 18th CPC NationalCongress in 2012. As it moves toward the second centenary goal, China should work totransform into a manufacturing powerhouse by applying next-generation informationtechnologies such as the internet and big data in its industrial sectors.

Keywords: Chinese-style modernization, industrial development, theoretical innovation,

JEL Classification Code: P11, L52, O14

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2023.03.01