China’s resilience amid economic and social transformation
By Hasan Muhammad
Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.
In 2024, China’s economy has demonstrated a quiet resilience, tackling a treacherous global landscape with measured progress. While challenges persist, the contours of a rebound are clear: In the first three quarters, the national per capita disposable income of residents was 30,941 yuan, a nominal increase of 5.2% over the same period last year. After deducting price factors, the actual increase was 4.9%.
This is not just a statistical uptick; it reflects an economy striving to regain its momentum. Employment has held steady - a cornerstone of domestic stability - with 10.49 million new urban jobs created from January to September, underscoring a government intent on prioritizing livelihoods amid uncertain winds. High-quality development remains the mantra, anchoring confidence in a recovery propelled by adaptability rather than mere output.
This year, reforms have gone beyond numbers to real-life improvements: medical expenses can now be settled across provinces, removing bureaucratic barriers that once complicated healthcare access. Housing and education policies have further reinforced a growing sense of security among the population. These steps underscore a leadership vision that has steered the country from a history of struggle to a reality of progress.
But China’s success isn’t confined to its borders. The achievement of moderate prosperity, elevating millions from poverty, resonates on a global stage, providing a blueprint for tackling inequality. Whether one views China with admiration or skepticism, the facts remain undeniable: a nation once grappling with basic survival now strides confidently toward long-term goals, and in doing so, illuminates a shared pathway for collective progress in an increasingly interconnected world.
This is a transformation with implications far beyond its borders. Over the past four decades, China's poverty alleviation achievements have rewritten the global narrative. By lifting more than 70 percent of the world’s poor above the poverty line, China not only met but exceeded the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - ten years ahead of schedule. This seismic transformation has elevated a population larger than all developed nations combined into modern prosperity.
But the story doesn't stop at borders. China's modernization carries ripple effects across the globe, reshaping the fight against inequality and offering a model for progress. It’s a quiet revolution, but its echoes resonate worldwide. China’s journey to modernization stands as a testament to the idea that no single blueprint defines progress. By forging its own path, China has not only reimagined what modernization can look like but has also introduced a new form of human civilization.
This approach isn’t about replicating Western models or adhering to conventional frameworks; it’s about tailoring solutions to unique challenges, blending tradition with innovation. For developing nations, China’s success offers inspiration - a reminder that alternative paths are possible. It redefines modernization as an evolving narrative rather than a rigid formula, presenting fresh possibilities for those seeking progress on their terms.
(Editor:Fu Bo)