UNIQUE PATH

Chinese modernization contains elements that are common to the modernization processes of all countries, but it is more characterized by features that are unique to the Chinese context.

Xi said Chinese modernization is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development.

Experts believe that although modernization theory has its origins in the West, modernization by no means is equal to Westernization and there has never been a one-size-fits-all approach to modernization.

"China is underscoring the importance of every country pursuing modernization through a path that is suited to their own conditions and that their people will accept and support," said Sean Slattery, one of the foreign experts invited to translate Xi Jinping's report to the CPC national congress.

Gao Derong, a delegate to the CPC national congress from the rural areas of southwest China's Yunnan Province, told Xinhua that he was impressed by the unique Chinese path to modernization.

"China's success in mass poverty alleviation over the past years has highlighted one of the key features of Chinese modernization, which is common prosperity," he said. "Our modernization benefits everyone in the country instead of just a few."

NEW CHOICE

China's modernization drive came into the spotlight as profound changes unseen in a century are transforming the world, which has once again reached a crossroads in history.

Although the modernization of the West has created unprecedented material wealth, its path of aggression, colonization and expansion is not viable. This path has also led to problems including a widening wealth gap, waste of resources and environmental damage.

"For other developing countries, Chinese modernization offers a new choice for achieving modernization, based on their own conditions and more international cooperation, rather than plunder, war and blood," said Yahia Mustafa, who participated in polishing the Arabic version of the report. The 65-year-old Sudanese expert has lived in China for over 20 years.

The CPC is clear-minded that building a modern socialist country in all respects is a massive, arduous task.

Warning of various "black swan" and "gray rhino" events that may occur at any time, the report said China has entered a period of development in which strategic opportunities, risks and challenges are concurrent, and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising.

"Tremendous hard work and unrelenting efforts are required as China strives to realize modernization," said Li Lannyu, a worker from east China's Jiangsu Province who is also a delegate to the congress.

Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said building a modern socialist country is a great cause that requires strenuous efforts. "While the future is bright, we still have a long way to go."