At the International Forum of Overseas Studies on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which kicked off on Wednesday, November 12 in Beijing, British expert Keith Bennett highlighted why the Chinese mainland's development model is capturing attention across the Global South. 💡🌍
Bennett, vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club and co-editor of Friends of Socialist China, pointed out that the secret sauce is simple: it works. From rapid urbanization and high-speed rail to digital payments and poverty reduction, the Chinese mainland has stacked up wins that speak louder than any pitch. 🚄💸
But here’s the twist: countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America aren’t looking to copy the blueprint line by line. ‘They want to adapt proven strategies to fit local needs and cultural vibes,’ Bennett told CGTN. Think of how ride-hailing apps in Southeast Asia learned from the Chinese mainland’s Didi model but added local languages, payment options and safety features. 🤝🛵
This trend is more than tech transfer—it’s about South-South cooperation. Nations are talking shop on how to tackle challenges like sustainable energy, infrastructure gaps and digital inclusion. For instance, solar villages in India are drawing inspiration from the Chinese mainland’s rural power grids, while Vietnam explores smart-city tech to ease traffic jams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. ☀️🏙️
What’s next? As young changemakers from Dhaka to Jakarta look for actionable roadmaps, the Chinese mainland’s track record offers a living case study. The key takeaway? Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about mixing proven ideas with homegrown creativity. 🚀💪
Keep an eye on this space—South-South exchanges are heating up, and the future belongs to those who learn, adapt and innovate. Stay curious! 🔍✨
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British expert on why China's model appeals to the Global South
cgtn.com
