A view of skyscrapers of the Central Business District in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong Province Photo: VCG

Chinese modernization – which has become the main framework of China's national development, especially after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China – has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from the Western model of modernization. One of the key features of Chinese modernization is the emphasis on harmony between material progress and cultural development, a strong commitment to ecological civilization, and a peaceful, non-hegemonic approach in international relations. 

Furthermore, Chinese modernization is the pursuit of modernization for a country of more than 1.4 billion people, an unprecedented scale in global history, which makes its model more complex and significant, while continuously striving to achieve common prosperity for all its citizens.

The success of Chinese modernization carries important implications for developing countries. It presents an alternative model that focuses on infrastructure development, industrial upgrading, and technology transfer without imposing political conditions. This differs from the Western model, which often insists on political prerequisites such as “democratization and market liberalization” for developing nations. 

The Western approach is now seen as less attractive and even opposed, as it violates the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention that have long been core values and the spirit of ASEAN. For ASEAN countries and others in the Global South, Chinese modernization offers an opportunity to collaborate in achieving shared prosperity without the fear of political interference, which is often a condition set by Western powers.

China's development over the next five to 10 years is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory and regional dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region and the broader global landscape. Within the framework of China-Indonesia and China-ASEAN relations, the outlook remains positive, driven by a strong mutual commitment to preserving regional peace and political stability.  

Moreover, there is a shared strategic aspiration among stakeholders to foster a more interconnected, inclusive, and resilient region, while simultaneously advancing global cooperation in addressing pressing transnational challenges such as climate change and digital transformation.

The four global initiatives proposed by China – the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) – represent Beijing’s efforts to shape a more balanced and multipolar world order based on the principles of mutual respect and non-intervention.

From the perspective of ASEAN and Indonesia, these initiatives have generally been received positively, as they align with regional values that emphasize peace, development, and inclusive cooperation. The GDI, for example, is highly relevant to ASEAN’s development goals, while the GSI reflects the region’s priority on conflict resolution through dialogue.

China-ASEAN cooperation continued to deepen in 2025, particularly with the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, which marks an important step toward regional economic integration and shared development. This initiative not only strengthens trade relations but also promotes regional stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity. 

Humprey Arnaldo Russel Photo: Courtesy of Humprey Arnaldo Russel

To further build a community with a shared future, both parties need to enhance strategic trust, align policy frameworks, and prioritize cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, green development, public health, and education. Strengthening people-to-people exchanges and institutional connectivity is also essential to ensure that the benefits are distributed equitably and sustainably across all member states.

Within the framework of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Indonesia and China have significant opportunities to further deepen their cooperation. For example, in the field of higher education, both countries can develop joint research programs, academic mobility initiatives, and capacity-building efforts in science, technology, and innovation. In the area of trade, the two countries can promote collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises to enable their integration into regional value chains. 

In terms of industrial chain cooperation, Indonesia and China can align their manufacturing and digital economy sectors, particularly in areas such as electric vehicles, green technology, and smart infrastructure. Through strategic collaboration under the RCEP framework, China and Indonesia can jointly promote regional economic resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.


The author is head of the ASEAN-China Studies Center at the University of Indonesia’s Institute for Strategic and International Studies. The article was compiled based on a dialogue at the "Think Tank Talks – Connect China and the World," organized by the National Academy of Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn