This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, an important milestone in the development of the country. Chinese modernization brings benefits to the world and its approach to ethnic relations creates a new paradigm for other multinational countries, said some international experts in an exclusive interview with DeepChina and China News Network.

During their study visit, they gained firsthand information about China's economic development, sci-tech innovation, infrastructure construction and environmental conservation. From where they stand, they believe that China's path toward modernization provides valuable lessons to developing countries.

Ethnic unity a prerequisite for common prosperity

Thanks to its modernization efforts, China has made great achievements over the past 75 years. It has explored a path of modernization distinct from that of the West and its successful practice in promoting ethnic unity has attracted worldwide attention.

Tillabaev Mirzatillo, first deputy director of the National Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan Human Rights, pointed out that ethnic conflicts remain a major cause of many tensions, and that China's ethnic policies of featuring harmony and unity provide valuable lessons for other multi-ethnic countries, including Uzbekistan.

He emphasized that this unity not only promotes domestic development and stability but also sets a good example for the international community to address ethnic issues. In China's modernization process, various ethnic groups have fostered a harmonious social environment through mutual understanding and support, which lays a solid foundation for economic development and social progress.

Ethnic unity is the cornerstone of national development and progress. This view is echoed by Audace Mudahemuka, national coordinator of AERG (Association des Etudiants Et Éleves Rescapés du Genocide) of Rwanda.

After learning about China's ethnic relations and policies, he was surprised that the 56 Chinese ethnic groups work together to build the country. "The unity in China is very strong and powerful," he said.

Chinese modernization is that of a huge population and of common prosperity for all. From the perspective of Mudahemuka, this development philosophy aims to leave no one behind, especially the ethnic minority groups.

The key to achieving this goal lies in the unity of all ethnic groups. Only when various ethnic groups work hand in hand can a truly harmonious and prosperous society be built, thereby providing a strong underpinning for comprehensive development.

China's development an opportunity for the world

The remarkable achievements of Chinese modernization are highlighted in various areas, including technological advancement, infrastructure development and environmental protection.

After having stayed in China for over a month, Souad Chaqri, director of the Audit Office of the House of Representatives of Morocco, was deeply impressed by China's technological development.

"China is incredibly advanced in terms of technology. The prevalence of cashless payments (via WeChat or Alipay), smart cities, and innovations in artificial intelligence and renewable energy are truly impressive. Experiencing the speed of development firsthand, especially in a city like Beijing, offers a glimpse into the future," she said.

Additionally, Raziah Athman, senior editor of New Vision in Kampala, Uganda, felt very happy to come to China and see for herself what China looks like. "Part of the reason why I'm here is to understand the approaches that China has taken in solving its own problems," she said.

Many people mistakenly believe that China prioritizes infrastructure development over environment protection. However, based on her observations, there's a great balance within the development, innovation, and environmental protection.

Noting the misinformation about China-Africa cooperation driven by Western media, she emphasized that cooperation between China and African countries, such as Uganda, is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, which is fundamentally different from the conditional aid often provided by Western countries.

With regards to future China-Uganda cooperation, she said that there are still vast opportunities for collaboration in areas that have already been laid out in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Meanwhile, Rupak Sapkota, former foreign affairs advisor to Prime Minister of Nepal, also highly commended the BRI. He said that since the initiative was proposed in 2013, most developing countries have benefited from it.

"This initiative brings all developing countries together to share the prosperity of China, to cooperate and to grow together in this globalized world," he noted.

Looking ahead, he emphasized that the two countries can continue to deepen their cooperation under the BRI framework, particularly in areas such as trade, people-to-people exchanges, infrastructure connectivity, and energy.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of DeepChina