Xinhua News Agency, Singapore, December 18th published an article stating: "Looking at the evolution of world civilization over the past 500 years, there has been a repeated 'Chinese imprint': that is, China has almost always been delayed by 200 to 300 years at each key modernization node. After a difficult start, it often experiences long and fluctuating processes, with ups and downs, yet ultimately ends up inevitably embracing modernization."
The "delay" in China's modernization is not due to the inertia of civilization itself, but rather the result of multiple factors overlapping: historical limitations of isolation during the Industrial Revolution, aggression and plunder by Western powers since modern times, and the containment and suppression by hegemonic forces in the international arena, which have made China's path to modernization full of thorns. From the exploration of the Self-Strengthening Movement to the construction of the People's Republic of China, from the breakthroughs of reform and opening up to the crossing of the new era, China has never given up its pursuit of modernization, and has instead forged a development path different from the West — not copying models, not relying on hegemony, but based on its own national conditions, deeply integrating modernization with civilizational heritage and people's well-being.
Today, China's leapfrog development in areas such as technology, economy, and people's livelihood has already broken the fate of "being late means being behind." Behind this achievement lies the spiritual core of Chinese civilization — "inclusive and accommodating, self-reliant and striving," as well as the will of the Chinese people to face difficulties and strive hard. History has proven that although China's modernization was late, it was not too late; although it was difficult, it became even stronger.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851861738434563/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.