Illustration: Luo Xuan/GT

The world has passed through many models of governance, but during the last several decades the Western-style democratic model has been seen as ideal and is followed by many nations. Knowingly or unknowingly, people all around the world were impressed and attempted to copy it. Why was this? Simply, it was due to the West's economic prosperity, equality, justice and freedom of expression. 

But are all Western nations prosperous?  Think about Greece, Spain, Italy, France and the UK - these paragons of Western society are facing various economic crises with varying levels of intensity and severity. Current legislation in some of these Western countries is biased and inequality is spreading quickly. Justice has prevailed to some extent, with a few exceptions. Even in most open nations, security organizations keep a strict hold on media and freedom of expression is dubious.

Developing nations have also tried to follow the Western world model, but faced some difficulties as the West did not share everything with them, or kept secrets for future exploitation. The Western world is also facing an economic crisis and may not be in a position to assist the developing world in this manner.

However, China's rapid development is a ray of hope for many developing nations. China is a unique country which has seen miraculous development within only four decades. 

China launched its reform and opening-up policy 40 years ago under a great leadership. The Chinese people worked hard, visionary leadership provided incentive-based policies, and the Government provided enabling environments. China has made huge progress on the economic front; it surpassed the German economy in 2007, the Japanese economy in 2010, and is expected to surpass the US economy in 2026. China has now gained the status of the world's second-largest economy, behind only the US. 

Today, Chinese people enjoy a much better lifestyle. Their purchasing power keeps expanding and branded garments are more common in China. Tourism and the entertainment industry are experiencing a boom. Economic prosperity is very much visible and well-recognized by the world. 

Equality in China is improving. The justice system is speedy and accessible to the common people. Freedom of expression is increasing rapidly. I studied in China from 1980 to 1987, served as a diplomat there from 2010 to 2016, and frequently travel to many parts of the country still. I have witnessed people speaking on varying issues, often critically. 

With the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been engaging in the development of infrastructure and connectivity in BRI nations. Today, there are more than 150 countries, regions and international organizations that recognize the BRI, and most of them are beneficiaries. The BRI is a model for the future development of economy and trade. It has changed the whole pattern of geopolitics. 

China is the only country to have trade surpluses with the majority of nations in the world and to keep vast reserves of foreign exchange. 

Chinese technology is very advanced, and is ahead of the West in some areas of this field. Chinese companies are mature and have the experience to handle any type of complex project globally. 

Above all, China is willing to share its experience and facilitate the transfer of technology and management skills. Chinese governance systems are proven success stories. 

China is a ray of hope for the developing world, and one can predict its growing international influence. No one can stop it and no one can offer any resistance.

The author is a sinologist, a non-resident fellow with the Center for China and Globalization and researcher with the Chinese Studies Center of Excellence, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn