by Meng Fanrong

ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (China Economic Net) - China studies scholar and former Pakistani Ambassador to Germany, Syed Hasan Javed, unveiled his ninth book on China studies titled “How China Became Rich – From Poverty to Prosperity” on September 26 at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. This event marked the countdown to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, reflecting on China’s remarkable transformation over the past seven decades, which Javed hailed as a feat unparalleled in recent history.

Syed Hasan Javed at book launching, photo by Syed Hasan Javed

“China’s journey from poverty to prosperity is not just a once-in-a-century feat, but a once-in-many-centuries achievement,” said Javed, who also served as the Director General of the China Study Center at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. “In just 75 years, China has traversed centuries of progress, reshaping the global economic landscape and offering a model for sustainable development.”

During the book launch, Javed, a seasoned observer of China’s rise, reminisced about his diplomatic tenure from 1980-1987 in China during a time of profound transformation, calling it a “heavenly blessing”. He highlighted that his experience living in Beijing during the formative years of China’s economic reforms had deeply influenced his understanding of the country’s remarkable progress.

“China’s rise holds immense significance for those who cherish peace, security, development, prosperity, and justice,” Javed emphasized in an interview with China Economic Net (CEN). “China will forever remain a friend, brother, and partner to the Islamic world and the Global South.”

Javed praised China’s current policies, including the pursuit of high-quality development, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI), as laudable goals that lay the foundation for a new world order grounded in science, innovation, peace, security, stability, justice, fairness, equity, and global solidarity.

“China’s economic ascendancy is not a fluke but a testament to the vision and leadership of its leaders, who have correctly interpreted global historical trends and patterns,” he said. China’s ascendancy is underpinned by its soft power, encapsulated in ‘Chinese characteristics’ that include reform, innovation, a scientific approach, cognitive thinking, socialist organization, the rule of law, citizen-centric governance and a positive worldview.

Javed also sounded a note of caution, highlighting the need for more efforts to build a compelling ‘China narrative’ globally. “The process is slow, primarily due to a shortage of genuine foreign China experts,” he explained.

As China marches steadfastly towards realizing the ‘Chinese Dream’ of national rejuvenation and becoming a fully developed nation by 2049, Javed remains optimistic. “China is on target,” he affirmed, underscoring the country’s commitment to its vision and the resilience of its people.