Chinese modernization: From the Five-Year Plan to the human spirit

Editor's note: Hoda El-Masry, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a journalist and deputy editor-in-chief of Rose al-Youssef Magazine. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In China, the future is not written in ink. It is built through daily work, discipline and a deep conviction that development is not a temporary goal, but a long civilizational journey. Throughout my nine visits to China, I discovered a different China each time – a nation more advanced, more self-aware and more determined to move forward toward comprehensive modernization.

Since the term "Chinese modernization" was incorporated into the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), development with Chinese characteristics has become a holistic concept, reflecting the nation's ability to integrate economics, politics and society into a unified national project.

For China, development is not merely a set of economic indicators. It is a process of comprehensive social renewal, placing people at its center and innovation at its forefront. Since 2012, China's GDP has soared from 54 trillion yuan ($7.57 trillion) to 134.9 trillion yuan. The Chinese economy also contributed roughly 30 percent to global economic growth, driven by continued expansion in manufacturing, high technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and new energy sectors.

Yet, beyond the numbers lies a deeper truth. China's progress is guided not by blind growth, but by a clear intellectual and moral vision – the pursuit of high-quality development, as defined by the CPC.

In October 2025, the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was held, during which the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development were adopted. This meeting marked a defining moment in China's path toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035.

The recommendations focus on three fundamental pillars, namely high-quality growth and technological self-reliance, innovation as the main driver of economic progress and environmental sustainability and clean energy as part of the vision for green development.

It also aims to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and advance key sectors such as AI, semiconductors, aviation and renewable energy, while doubling investment in research and development – paving the way for China to become a global technological powerhouse by 2030.

What stands out most in this phase is China's clear determination to accelerate the shift toward an innovation-driven economy. The recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan are not limited to digitalization; it envisions a smart industrial ecosystem, powered by advanced technology and AI, seamlessly integrated into every productive and service sector.

During my visits to companies such as Huawei, Baidu and Kuaishou, I witnessed this transformation firsthand. I had always known that China was technologically advanced. Yet, what I saw surpassed every expectation: intelligent factories, AI-powered digital platforms and local enterprises competing head-to-head with Western giants in creativity and innovation. It became clear to me that China is no longer just "the world's factory." It has become "the world's mind."

Before my first visit to China, I often wondered: How can a nation of such vast size and population be governed with such precision and harmony? Over time, I discovered that the secret lies not merely in laws or institutions, but in the people themselves.

The Chinese people embody a unique philosophy of life – discipline, respect for time, devotion to work and a profound belief that collective success outweighs individual gain. This is what makes China truly powerful: wise leadership from the CPC and the people deeply committed to their national mission.

With every visit, I witnessed a new model of progress – faster transportation, cleaner cities, smarter infrastructure and a society ever more open and aware. China is building its future not merely with capital, but with intellect, will and a profound sense of belonging.

One of the most moving aspects of my visits was witnessing China's historic victory over extreme poverty. The nation has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty and relocated over nine million into new housing.

In the villages of Shaanxi Province, I saw with my own eyes how once impoverished communities have become thriving centers of productivity, thanks to targeted development projects and the effective use of local resources. It was a living example of how scientific planning and wise governance can transform the destiny of an entire nation.

Today, as the recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan envisaged, China continues a long journey that began decades ago with a more mature, more focused and more visionary perspective. The country is advancing toward building a modern, green and knowledge-based economy, reaffirming its role as a force for peace and global development through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Through my nine visits, I came to understand that the phrase "with Chinese characteristics" is not a political slogan – it is a way of life, one that radiates with diligence, respect, cooperation and innovation. China does not just talk about the future it builds it, step by step, with courage, confidence and an unshakable belief that the best is yet to come.

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