Introduction  

The CPC has led the Chinese people in successfully advancing and expanding Chinese modernization, distinct from the Western model. This approach has reshaped the global modernization landscape, offering valuable insights and alternative pathways for developing countries. As a new form of human civilization, there is significant global interest in understanding what Chinese modernization will bring to the world.  

Starting today, People's Daily and the International Department of the CPC Central Committee are launching a series themed on foreign political leaders and friends on Chinese modernization. This series invites foreign political leaders and friends to share their firsthand experiences, observations, and reflections on Chinese modernization, as well as their perspectives on how it contributes to the progress of human civilization and global development.  

Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, said in a recent interview with People's Daily, China's infrastructure achievements are remarkable, and its sustainable development efforts are impressive. In China, new things, new ideas, technologies, and trends are constantly emerging, and the Chinese people are working hand in hand with people from all over the world to create a better future for humanity.  

Mapaila has visited China multiple times. In April this year, he led a delegation of the South African Communist Party to visit Shaanxi, Shanghai, and Beijing. He said, the visit allowed them to witness China's development and prosperity firsthand. The breakthroughs China has achieved in many areas, including scientific and technological modernization, are truly admirable. The delegation was deeply impressed by the improvement in the standard of living, environmental enhancements, and the accelerated pace of modernization in China. The CPC's commitment to ensuring no one is left behind has resulted in significant accomplishments.  

In Shaanxi, Mapaila's delegation visited the China Executive Leadership Academy in Yan'an, the Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site, Liangjiahe Village, and the Yangling Agriculture High-Tech Industrial Demonstration Zone. Mapaila said that they learned that Yan'an used to suffer from severe soil erosion. But today, the city's forest coverage rate is 53.07%, and the urban green space coverage rate is 42.65%. China has carved out an ecological conservation and restoration path unique to its national conditions, continually advancing towards a harmonious coexistence between man and nature.  

Mapaila said that from urban development to poverty alleviation, they have seen the CPC's efforts to meet people's needs for a better life, which is truly commendable. Recalling a visit five years ago, he said that they visited Tanbanpo Village in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where we saw local residents, led by CPC members, achieve poverty alleviation through modern agriculture. Over the years, CPC members have actively led communities out of poverty through their initiative.  

Mapaila said, poverty is a common challenge to the world. China's poverty eradication practices embody the CPC's people-centered approach. Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the CPC, which adheres to the people-centered approach and has historically solved the problem of absolute poverty, providing experience for other countries in their modernization efforts.  

During the visit, Mapaila toured several high-tech companies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of China's reform and opening-up and its economic and social development. At Zhongdian Technology International Trading Co., Ltd. in Beijing, they saw the promising future of China-Africa digital cooperation. In Shanghai's Oriental Beauty Valley, they experienced cutting-edge biopharmaceutical technologies. In the Yangling Agriculture High-Tech Industrial Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi, they learned about agricultural technology innovations and smart agriculture advancements. Mapaila said, in recent years, China has made significant strides in technological innovation, maintaining a leading global position in certain fields. China's technological achievements not only benefit its people but also support the development of other developing countries. Chinese modernization emphasizes mutual benefit and win-win cooperation with other countries and aims to build a prosperous world, significantly contributing to global economic development. Chinese modernization represents a progressive direction for human civilization, showcasing a new model of development that differs from Western modernization. It not only drives China's own development but also provides new opportunities for global development.  

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From FAW's plant in Coega, South Africa to Nigeria's Lekki Port, from Guinea's Kaleta Hydropower Plant to the project in Uganda's Lake Albert oilfields, the BRI has yielded fruitful results in Africa. Mapaila said, these collaborative achievements have significantly advanced infrastructure development in many African countries, including power plants, ports, highways, and airports. They have also created numerous job opportunities and provided vocational training for local workers, effectively boosting regional economic growth. As China comprehensively advances its modernization, it actively promotes international cooperation to foster the common development of all nations.  

After visiting the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, the delegation took a photo in front of the statues of Marx and Engels. Mapaila said that Chinese modernization emphasizes the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilizations. It excels at drawing lessons from history while staying grounded in present realities, adapting to the times, and embracing innovation. He said that the key to the success of socialism with Chinese characteristics lies in developing it based on the foundation of over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and outstanding traditional culture. The South African Communist Party hopes to work together with the CPC to further advance the socialist cause and promote global peace, development, and prosperity.