Editor's Note: The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which concluded in Beijing on October 22nd, highlighted the idea of modernization with Chinese characteristics. CGTN anchor Xu Qinduo believes "Chinese modernization" exemplifies the core Chinese values of fairness, harmony, balance and peace in the pursuit of happiness. It also prioritizes inclusiveness, so that all of China's 1.4 billion people enjoy the privileges of a modern lifestyle, not just 1% of the population.

Hello. This is Xu Qinduo.

As the 20th CPC National Congress concludes, one thing that has stood out is the philosophy behind Chinese governance, which explains the priorities of the Chinese leadership.

To put it simply, this philosophy can be instilled into a few words: fairness, balance, harmony and peace.

One good example is the Chinese goal of achieving modernization. Well, to be accurate, it’s called "Chinese modernization," or: modernization with Chinese characteristics.

So, why the stress on "Chinese"? What does this say about China's concept of governance?

The pursuit of modernization, or the transformation into an industrial and urban society, is largely universal for every country and region in the world. China is no exception.

But what is exceptional is the scale of China's modernization, which must take into account some 1.4 billion people. It's not about 1% of the country enjoying the privileges of a modern lifestyle. It's about everyone enjoying it.

No one is left behind.

Its about common prosperity for all. Chinese modernization is about inclusiveness. The massive success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty is a good example of the pursuit of "common prosperity for all."

Chinese modernization entails both material and cultural-ethical advancement. It's a balanced approach: to achieve material richness is only half success, progress in culture and ethics is also required for a nation to call itself "modern."

Chinese modernization strives for "harmony between humanity and nature." Those familiar with Chinese tradition are aware of this love for a balanced, harmonious relationship with nature, which explains why China prioritizes its fight against pollution and climate change so much that it terms the issue as "ecological civilization."

Chinese modernization is also a process of "peaceful development." China's rise has been achieved by opening up and reforms, by drawing overseas investment and by embracing the world. China is the only major power in the world that has repeatedly pledged to never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism.

In a nutshell, the idea of "Chinese modernization" exemplifies core Chinese values in the pursuit of happiness: fairness, harmony, balance and peace.