In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Yves Leterme, Belgium's former prime minister, drawing from his approximately 50 visits to China over 20 years, expressed astonishment at the country's unprecedented transformation.

He noted China's evolution from a technological follower to a global innovator – not only in terms of economic and educational advancement, but particularly in its seamless integration of technology into everyday life.

"I think there's this capacity for the Chinese society to combine social and economic progress on the one hand and, on the other hand, to keep its identity," he observed. "It's not easy."

Like Western nations, China contends with the disruptive effects of digitalization on traditional thought and cultural practices. Yet, he noted, China finds equilibrium – implementing cutting-edge technologies without compromising its deep-rooted heritage, including arts and traditions that demand thoughtful engagement.

"I think that China has the capacity to strike a balance between amazing social and economic development and massive access to new technologies, but on the other hand, keep in place its own identity."