China's modernization journey over the past 74 years has been marked by significant milestones. On October 1, the country celebrated the 74th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC), reflecting on its transformation from a nation established by the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the leadership of Chairman Mao Tse-Tung in 1949 to its current status as a stable and growing world economic and political power. China has emerged as a champion of the Global South, gaining global recognition for its modernization efforts. President Xi Jinping has played a crucial role in shaping China's modernization agenda, leading the country towards economic prosperity and political influence.
China was a socialist country between 1949 and 1976. The Great Leap Forward was a transformative economic and social movement in revolutionary China during the years 1958-60. It aimed to form 'people's communes' in China's countryside, collectivizing living and working practices. The Great Leap Forward brought about significant changes in rural areas, closing the gap between the city and countryside, and between workers and peasants. It emphasized self-reliance and spread industrial and technical capabilities through the countryside. However, there were problems and shortcomings, as expected in such a massive transformation. The most important aspect of the Great Leap Forward was the changing relations of ownership and the cooperative ways in which people worked and lived. The movement's goals were often vilified and distorted by anticommunist narratives, but it played a crucial role in China's modernization journey.
China has developed a successful socialist democracy called whole-process people’s democracy, which combines the ideals of socialism, democracy, and meritocracy. This form of democracy focuses on the people and has achieved unprecedented economic development and social progress. In the past 40 years, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty and contributed to global poverty alleviation. China's democracy addresses deficiencies in other forms of democracy, such as the dominance of elites and interest groups in the US. The success of China's democracy is attributed to its practice at the grassroots level and its ability to meet the needs of its people. China's socialist democracy is seen as a successful alternative to democratic governments in the US and Europe. It has created economic and social development that is changing the modernization of developing nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently hailed Mao Zedong's thoughts as 'invaluable spiritual wealth' on his 130th birth anniversary. Mao's thoughts, contained in his Red Book, were once influential worldwide but were overshadowed by Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms. Xi Jinping, the only CPC leader after Mao to continue in power for a third term, addressed a symposium and emphasized the importance of advancing the cause pioneered by Mao. He also expressed the goal of reunifying Taiwan with China. Mao's birth anniversary is observed every 10 years by the Communist Party of China.
Crowds gathered in Shaoshan, China to celebrate Mao Zedong's 130th birthday, with some shouting slogans from the Cultural Revolution. Visitors placed flowers in front of a bronze statue of Mao and bowed their heads in reverence. The veneration of Mao comes amid rising dissatisfaction among Chinese youth. This celebration and the use of Cultural Revolution-era chants reveal the complex relationship between Mao's legacy and the current political climate in China.
China's modernization journey has also been marked by heartwarming stories that touch the hearts of people across the country. A recent example is the story of a 10-year-old girl who saved 2 yuan (28 US cents) every day for three years to buy a birthday present for her grandfather. The girl, accompanied by her mother, visited a jewelry shop and used the money she saved from her piggy bank to purchase a gold bracelet worth 2,000 yuan (US$279) for her grandfather. In a video clip, the girl is seen giving the bracelet to her delighted grandfather. The story has gone viral on mainland social media, with many people praising the girl's love and dedication to her grandfather.
Hong Kong's colonial past has recently been brought to light through a collection of newly revealed photos. Navy officer H. J. A. McCaffrey captured a world of boat trips, polo matches, and picnics in Hong Kong 120 years ago, before it was given back to China. The album of 365 images, taken during McCaffrey's travels around China, Hong Kong, and Macau, recently sold at auction for £3,400. The photos depict the well-heeled colonial administration, famous landmarks, military parades, and the everyday lives of locals. These photos offer a glimpse into Hong Kong's history as a former British colony and provide a unique perspective on the city's past.
Hong Kong is preparing to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with collaborative efforts, community engagement, and a variety of celebratory events. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak Mei-kuen, is leading the preparations with a vision of creating a celebration that resonates with every heart in Hong Kong. The Chief Secretary for Administration emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts across all bureaux and departments. The celebrations will include activities such as a National Day reception, a flag-raising ceremony, a variety show, and a fireworks display. The 18 District Offices, in collaboration with the District Councils, will organize local events to ensure that the joy and pride of the anniversary are accessible to all. Preparatory work has already begun to enhance publicity materials and festive decorations across Hong Kong, transforming the city into a canvas of celebratory splendor. The celebrations aim to celebrate the past 75 years and highlight Hong Kong's unique advantages and global outlook. The city stands poised to mark this historic occasion with a celebration that transcends boundaries and invites every citizen to partake in the festivities.
In 1986, the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong organized a classic car rally from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, China. The rally attracted thousands of excited fans in Guangzhou, where car ownership was virtually unknown at the time. The fans cheered as the club members put their vintage cars through their paces on a makeshift motor-racing demonstration ground. The crowd was held back by police as they tried to get close to the cars. The owners of the vintage cars stood by anxiously as the crowd jammed around the vehicles. The event, sponsored by Martell Brandy, Nestle, Lombard Insurance, and Shell, sparked enormous interest in Guangzhou, with local newspapers and television covering it widely. About 2,000 people paid to look at the cars on display in the museum grounds, and later in the afternoon, sports car drivers performed driving skills demonstrations to a crowd of about 5,000 cheering fans.
China's modernization journey is not only about economic and political progress but also about the values and relationships that shape society. These heartwarming stories and historical photos remind us of the importance of family, love, and generosity in the midst of rapid change and development. They reflect the resilience and compassion of the Chinese people as they navigate the complexities of modernization and hold onto the values that matter most.
The Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) is an organization that plays a significant role in promoting children's growth in China. As of the end of 2023, the CYP had approximately 114.8 million members across the country. The organization has 276,000 primary-level work committees, with 190,000 based in primary or middle schools and 83,000 at the community level. All Chinese students aged between 6 and 14 years old can join the CYP. The CYP serves as a reserve force to build socialism and communism and has been instrumental in fostering the development of children since its founding in 1949. Today, on International Children's Day, the CYP celebrates the growth and well-being of children in China.
Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), stated that the recent elections in Cambodia have demonstrated the maturity and progress of democracy in the country. He emphasized the CPP's victories in the Commune/Sangkat Council elections, National Assembly elections, Capital and Provincial Council elections, and Municipal, District, and Khan Councils elections. Hun Sen also mentioned that the CPP's victories reflect the Cambodian people's desire for the party's leadership and their rejection of extremist opponents who seek to disrupt peace and stability. He expressed gratitude to all those who have shown faith in the CPP and his leadership. The CPP is committed to strengthening unity, maintaining peace and stability, protecting independence and sovereignty, upholding the constitutional monarchy, and accelerating national development.