The PRC’s relationship with Sri Lanka exemplifies its strategic foreign policy, says Mr. Nalin Aponsu, President of the Sri Lanka – China Journalists Forum.
He said this in a special statement issued to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which falls today (Oct. 01).
“The PRC’s relationship with Sri Lanka exemplifies its strategic foreign policy. From the early recognition of the PRC to contemporary engagements under the BRI, the partnership has deepened significantly. Major infrastructure projects, such as the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, underscore China’s commitment to enhancing global trade routes and regional influence, highlighting the strategic nature of its international relationships,” he added.
The full statement of Mr. Aponsu is as follows :
China’s 75 Years: From Revolution to Global Power
The 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) marks a pivotal moment in the country’s dramatic evolution from a struggling agrarian society to a global superpower. This journey has been shaped by visionary leadership and dynamic political philosophies, each contributing to China’s rise on the world stage. From Mao Zedong’s revolutionary foundation to Xi Jinping’s bold “Chinese Dream,” China’s leaders have navigated complex challenges to steer the nation toward unprecedented growth and global influence.
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the PRC, initiating a new chapter in China’s history. Mao’s leadership, rooted in Marxist-Leninist principles but uniquely adapted to Chinese conditions, aimed to create a socialist state through significant reforms. His emphasis on the revolutionary potential of the peasantry, encapsulated in his belief that “The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history,” set the stage for transformative change. Mao’s policies, including land reforms and collectivization, sought to mobilize the rural population for national development, laying the groundwork for future progress.
The transition to Deng Xiaoping’s leadership in 1978 marked a pivotal shift. Deng’s pragmatic approach, epitomized by his famous saying, “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,” prioritized practical results over ideological constraints. Deng’s “Reform and Opening-Up” policies revolutionized China’s economy by introducing market-oriented reforms, decollectivizing agriculture, and welcoming foreign investment. These measures catalyzed an era of rapid economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty and establishing China as a major global economic player. Deng’s concept of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” blended socialist ideals with practical economic strategies, setting a new course for the nation’s development.
Jiang Zemin, Deng’s successor, furthered economic reforms with his “Three Represents” theory, which broadened the Communist Party’s base to include entrepreneurs and intellectuals, recognizing their role in the emerging economy. Jiang’s tenure also saw China’s successful accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, integrating China into the global economy and enhancing its international trade relationships.
Hu Jintao, who followed Jiang, introduced the concept of the “Harmonious Society,” focusing on balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability. Hu’s emphasis on “scientific development” aimed to ensure that economic progress was accompanied by improvements in quality of life and environmental protection. This approach addressed the complexities of rapid development and worked to create a more balanced and equitable society.
Xi Jinping’s ascension in 2012 ushered in a new era characterized by ambition and assertiveness. Xi’s “Chinese Dream” seeks the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” positioning China as a leading global power. His philosophy, articulated in “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” emphasizes the central role of the Communist Party, ideological integrity, and China’s proactive role in global governance. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflect Xi’s strategic vision, aiming to enhance global connectivity and expand China’s influence across continents.
The PRC’s relationship with Sri Lanka exemplifies its strategic foreign policy. From the early recognition of the PRC to contemporary engagements under the BRI, the partnership has deepened significantly. Major infrastructure projects, such as the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, underscore China’s commitment to enhancing global trade routes and regional influence, highlighting the strategic nature of its international relationships.
As China celebrates its 75th anniversary, it stands as a testament to transformative leadership and strategic vision. The journey from Mao’s revolutionary vision to Deng’s economic reforms, and from Jiang and Hu’s approaches to globalization and social harmony to Xi’s national rejuvenation, reflects a continuous evolution of thought and policy. China’s rise has reshaped global dynamics, offering a distinct development model and an increasingly influential role in the world. The story of the PRC is one of visionary leadership and dynamic progress, shaping not only China’s destiny but also the broader contours of the 21st-century global landscape.
– Nalin Aponso
President
Sri Lanka – China Journalists Forum
