AS China celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the world takes stock of the remarkable journey of a country that has transformed itself from one of the poorest nations into the world’s second-largest economy. This meteoric rise, marked by economic prowess, scientific advancements, and global influence, positions China as a key player in shaping the future of global development. China’s 75 years of transformation demonstrate not just the resilience of its people, but also the strategic vision that has turned the country into an economic powerhouse and a vital partner for global cooperation.
In 1949, when China emerged as a new nation after the end of a prolonged civil war, it faced widespread poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of modern infrastructure. At the time, few could have predicted that this Eastern nation would become a dominant force in the global economy. However, China’s leaders, recognizing the need for transformative reforms, set the stage for an economic miracle that would span decades. Fast forward 75 years, and China now ranks as the world’s second-largest economy and has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty—an unprecedented achievement in human history.
China’s economic growth largely stems from its strategic adoption of reform and opening-up policies initiated in the late 1970s. By liberalizing trade, encouraging foreign investment, and emphasizing industrialization, the country effectively leveraged its vast labour force and natural resources. Today, China accounts for approximately 18% of global GDP, solidifying its role as a central driver of the world economy. With a GDP growth rate of 5.2% in 2023, China’s contribution to global economic stability reinforces its status as a leading growth engine. China’s rise has not only been about internal development but also about its increasing integration into the global economy. The country is the world’s largest trading nation and a top trading partner for more than 120 countries. In 2022, China continued to solidify its position as a major hub for global commerce, maintaining its status as the second-largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This underscores China’s pivotal role in global supply chains, manufacturing, and trade.
A key element of China’s economic success is its openness to foreign businesses, fostering a conducive environment for international companies. This openness has facilitated technology transfer, increased investment, and accelerated China’s transition from a manufacturing-based economy to one driven by innovation and high-tech industries. Today, China is the world’s manufacturing superpower, outproducing the next nine largest manufacturers combined, positioning it as a critical partner for nations and corporations globally.
While China’s manufacturing capabilities remain the bedrock of its economy, its recent advancements in science and technology are just as impressive. In the past decade, China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies, from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G, robotics, and nanomanufacturing. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, China is ahead of the United States in 37 out of 44 critical technology areas. This includes crucial domains like hypersonic missiles, AI, and quantum computing. This surge in technological prowess has been fuelled by significant investments in research and development (R&D) and a government-driven push to nurture homegrown talent.
By prioritizing innovation and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and the state, China has created an ecosystem that fosters groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Notably, China has surpassed the United States in the number of patents and scientific publications, according to the National Science Foundation. At the heart of China’s global outreach is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a monumental infrastructure project that seeks to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe through a vast network of land and maritime routes. Launched in 2013, the BRI has been a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, focusing on building infrastructure, fostering trade, and stimulating economic growth in partner countries. To date, the BRI has attracted participation from more than three-quarters of the world’s countries and 32 international organizations. Beyond economic integration, the BRI has initiated over 3,000 projects, creating more than 420,000 local jobs and lifting 40 million people out of poverty, highlighting China’s commitment to global development and alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a key player in global governance and peacekeeping, China promotes peaceful conflict resolution as a UN Security Council member, deploying over 50,000 peacekeepers in 20 countries, which underscores its dedication to global stability and development. As China celebrates its 75th anniversary, its future prospects appear bright, despite the complexities of a rapidly changing global environment. The Chinese government remains committed to pushing forward with structural reforms aimed at boosting domestic consumption, fostering innovation, and transitioning to a greener economy. China’s leadership in green technology, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation efforts positions it well for the challenges of the 21st century.
Moreover, as countries worldwide grapple with rising protectionism and economic nationalism, China’s vision of a shared future for humanity, as embodied by initiatives like the BRI, offers a compelling alternative. China’s approach to international relations—characterized by multilateralism, cooperation, and mutual benefit—stands in contrast to the more inward-looking policies of other global powers.
China’s 75-year journey is a testament to the power of strategic planning, perseverance, and visionary leadership. From its humble beginnings as an impoverished nation to its current status as a global economic titan, China has demonstrated its capacity for transformation and resilience. As the world navigates an uncertain future, China’s continued leadership in the global economy, technological innovation, and international cooperation will remain crucial to achieving a more equitable and prosperous world for all. As we celebrate this milestone, it is clear that China’s achievements over the past 75 years are not just a victory for its own people, but a beacon of hope and progress for the entire world. The next phase of China’s development promises to be equally transformative, as the nation continues to shape the global landscape for generations to come.
—The writer is an active Climate Youth Delegate for UNFCCC, UNEP, and UNESCO.
