Another Path to Modernization
Another Path to Modernization | Let’s Meet
In June 2026, Chongqing hosted the International Symposium on the Global Significance of Chinese Modernization, bringing together more than 200 leading think tank scholars and media leaders from 11 countries. Against the backdrop of this vibrant and fast-changing city, participants explored one of the defining questions of our time—modernization—examining the global significance of Chinese modernization and why it is resonating with scholars around the world.
Seeking the One Standard? Redefining “Modernization”
The concept of modernization originated in 18th-century Europe and developed alongside the Industrial Revolution. The Western world was the first to construct a societal model characterized by modern industry, mega-cities, and waves of technological advancement, which for a long time was regarded as the only trajectory and the universal standard of development. However, when many countries attempted to transplant this fixed template onto their own contexts, they often encountered difficulties. This has prompted the global academic community to critically reassess whether the pursuit of a single standard itself constitutes a conceptual misunderstanding, and to rethink the emergence of diverse and plural pathways to modernization.
An Answer in Harmony and Diversity: What Is Chinese Modernization?
For the path to modernization, China has put forward its own answer: Chinese modernization. What is Chinese modernization? What are its defining features? Wang Wen, Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at School of Global Leadership of Renmin University of China, shared his views.
A Mountain City Sample: Chongqing’s Practices of Chinese Modernization
With its complex mountainous terrain and population of more than 32 million, why is Chongqing one of the most valuable and representative places to study Chinese modernization? Through their field visits across the city, the expert delegation found the answer.
Chongqing: Jointly Exploring Modernization for the Global South
During the three-day event, officials, think tank experts and media representatives from various countries visited Chongqing, where they asked questions, made comparisons, recorded observations and reflected on what they saw during field trips. Through exchanges and seminars, they shared experiences and built consensus.
At the forum, key research projects were released, international cooperation agreements were signed, and an expert committee was established, helping turn dialogue into concrete follow-up research and cooperation. The participants drew inspiration from Chongqing’s practices and deepened their understanding of different paths to modernization through dialogue.
