On October 1, 1949, under the great leadership of Mao Zedong, the Communist Revolution triumphed in China and the People’s Republic of China was established. Here, we are talking about the Communist Revolution that came on October 1, 1949. However, if we look into China’s history, it is a land of five-thousand-year-old civilization and culture, with deep traditions and heritage.
Before the Communist Revolution, China was plagued by poverty, backwardness and foreign intervention. But under Mao’s leadership, the world witnessed the emergence of a “New China” on the global map through a complete system of governance.
In the beginning, there were many challenges and China largely depended on an agricultural economy. However, the Chinese leadership introduced agrarian reforms. The period from 1950 to 1976 is known as the era of Mao Zedong, during which every sector was reviewed to put the country on the path of development.
If we talk about the Great Leap Forward, this period focused on industrial development, the collectivization of agriculture and transforming an agrarian society into a modern industrial one. During this era, the Cultural Revolution also took place. Its fundamental aim was the political training of youth, raising a voice against inequality, rejecting outdated traditions, and establishing an educational system that could familiarize people with modern progress and new ideas.
Industrial development was given top priority. Women were granted equal rights and became more active in society. The foundations of public welfare and social development were laid. Thus, during Mao’s era, emphasis was placed on every aspect of growth and construction.
After Mao’s death, 1978 marked the beginning of a “New China,” when Deng Xiaoping introduced reforms. These reforms were based on a 25-year plan and their impacts are still visible in every corner of China today.
In the 1990s, extraordinary development was witnessed in the industrial and commercial sectors. The year 1997 was a significant milestone when Hong Kong was returned to China.
If we continuously review China’s policies, the slogan of progress has remained constant throughout these 76 years. Poverty decreased, people gained access to basic rights and maintaining peace remained China’s foremost objective. China has always played a prominent role in promoting peace and raising its voice against injustices in the world.
Between 2000 and 2010, while the United States was pursuing war policies in South Asia particularly Afghanistan China was focused on development. It became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The world called China the “factory of the world” because instead of wars, it prioritized infrastructure, high-speed rail and modern road networks.
Despite the negative propaganda campaign of the West, the 2008 Beijing Olympics showcased to the world a modern and rapidly developing China.
In 2013, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a project that astonished the world. Its core purpose was to connect the most underdeveloped countries through roads and development projects.
From the Pakistani perspective, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major component of the BRI, has brought immense benefits. It has led to the construction of roads, the development of infrastructure and the creation of opportunities in Pakistan. Even today, significant development projects under CPEC are visible in Pakistan. Through the BRI, China connected Asia, Africa and Europe and most countries welcomed these policies because before China, no major power had ever envisioned such comprehensive development projects. Through this initiative, China not only ensured its own progress but also uplifted the poorest countries, earning global respect.
From 2020 to 2023, China faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, China quietly and steadfastly remained focused on development. Not only did it control the pandemic, but it also helped the world, proving itself to be a responsible power. This is why countries across the world trust China’s policies. From 2021 to 2025, the slogan “Made in China” has become prominent in every corner of the world. The elimination of poverty was made the government’s top priority. I have personally witnessed China in 2019, 2023 and now in 2025 during my recent visit to Xinjiang where I observed with my own eyes the excellent infrastructure, wide highways and ongoing development projects across many cities in Xinjiang. Today, we can say that from Beijing to Shanghai, from Wuhan to Guangzhou and from Xinjiang to Shandong, China has worked tirelessly for the welfare and prosperity of its people. Poverty eradication has been recognized as a remarkable achievement.
At the international level, China has always supported oppressed nations whether Palestine, Kashmir, or in response to America’s policies in Iraq and Afghanistan. China has consistently condemned aggression and emphasized resolving conflicts through dialogue.
As a good neighbor and a trustworthy friend, China has always stood at the forefront during difficult times for Pakistan. Its foreign policy principle is non-interference in the internal affairs of others, but at the same time, it helps them through development projects to reduce poverty and promote prosperity. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, countries in Asia, Africa and Europe have expressed trust in China’s approach. Thus, after 76 years, China has emerged as a global example of how a nation can eradicate poverty, grant rights to its people and unite countries under one umbrella of peace and development. This is the true mark of a wise power a nation that not only develops itself but also uplifts others. Unlike the great powers of the past whose rise was based on aggression and whose downfall followed it the People’s Republic of China today continues to firmly move forward on the path of peace and progress.
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