China is an ancient civilization which has passed through various ups and downs throughout history, which is a natural cycle of human history. But the last 200 years have witnessed suffering due to colonializations, imperialism, and expansionism of the Western world. Whether it was the Opium War or the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Chinese suffered. But with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on the 1st of October 1949, China was finally liberated. But it did not end the Western world’s aggression. .

China spent almost three decades creating internal reforms with a focus on ideology, unity, and change of mindset during the period 1949-1978, under the great leadership of Chairman Mao. After great success on the political front, China entered into a new phase of economic reform, under the visionary leadership of Comrade Deng Xiao Ping from 1978.

During the last four decades, the common Chinese man has persistently worked hard, the visionary leadership has provided incentive-based policies, and the government has provided enabling environments. China made huge progress on the economic front, it surpassed the German economy in 2007, surpassed the Japanese economy in 2010, and is expected to surpass the American economy in 2026. Currently, China is the second-largest economy just behind the USA.

One of China’s major victories regards its poverty elimination front. Within just four decades, China has lifted around 750 million people above the poverty line. No other nation or, collectively, the rest of the world, has shown such huge achievements. It was a goal set in the Millennium Development Goals by the UN, and China has contributed a great deal. In fact, China’s contribution to fighting against poverty has been recognized on a global level. Many nations are beneficiaries of Chinese assistance to fight against poverty and hunger.

The life of common men in China has improved to a huge extent. From the shortage of food and basic necessities, China now has an abundance of food and a luxury lifestyle. China has even emerged as a net exporter of its excessive production, earning a huge amount of foreign exchange. The personal lives of Chinese citizens have also witnessed a big change, with a growth in the country’s entertainment industry and tourism industry giving citizens more choice.

Chinese people enjoy more freedom of expression and access to information. The legal system inside China has improved, and people feel safer and more secure in China. Openness and modernity are visible on the streets of all big cities in China. Prosperity is prevailing and a sense of comfort is visible on the faces of Chinese citizens.

The third phase of China is globalization which is currently prevailing in China, under the great leadership of President Xi Jinping.

Chinese progress in agricultural and industrial sectors has changed the global trading pattern and become a hope for developing nations. China’s trade surplus with the rest of world, especially with the developed world, has set an example for all developing nations.

With the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has engaged in developing infrastructure and connectivity among BRI states. Today, there are more than 150 countries, regions and international organizations involved with the BRI and most of them are beneficiaries of BRI. BRI is a model for future economic and trade development. BRI is a message of peace, harmony and development. It also promotes people-to-people contact, mutual understanding, and trade and tourism. Based on mutual understanding, reliable relationships can be established among nations. It can eliminate misunderstandings to a huge extent.

With the rise of China as a global power, China is contributing to world peace and proactively participating in international affairs in a positive manner. China understands its responsibilities and is contributing its due share in geopolitics.

China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its liberation on the 1st of October 2019. Please join me in congratulating the Chinese people and government in the happiness of National Day.

About the author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomate), Academician, Researcher, Peace-activist, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), Islamabad, Pakistan. E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com