Introduction
Since 1949, Chinese leaders have been dedicated to the improvement, development, and advancement of their nation through the formulation and implementation of ideologies, visions, and strategies. This characteristic aligns with the core essence of political leadership, which is to steer economic development that serves the fundamental interests of the people. Developed nations have similarly followed patterns of economic development underpinned by strategic political leadership. Political actors generate ideas that successive governments build upon through sustained efforts, practical actions, modernization, and policy formulation. They recognize the necessity of aligning the state's production mechanisms with the socio-economic development of the country. Leaders have employed scientific methods and approaches to drive reforms that optimize these production mechanisms and accelerate national progress.
Modernization is a transformative process that profoundly influences all aspects of human life. It entails leveraging economic activities to enhance social conditions and political institutions, fostering a self-reinforcing cycle of progress. Modernization brings heightened awareness of change and innovation, coupled with the notion that societies can advance and improve over time. Historically, this concept of human progress is relatively new. Societies that lack control over their environment and are vulnerable to natural forces typically remain in a stagnant equilibrium, where living standards do not improve, making the idea of progress seem unrealistic (Jones, 1985).
The Chinese government, through the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has been instrumental in driving the country's development. The adoption of Socialism with Chinese characteristics, a scientific system, and the exploration of new paths have been key drivers. The government has consistently implemented policies, reforms, and innovations to propel modernization. The 'Five in One' philosophy economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological reforms guide the country's modernization efforts. Central to this are the 'Four Comprehensives': building a socialist nation, deepening reforms, enforcing laws, and adhering to party guidance, which ensure political stability, governance capacity, and reform deepening (Jinping, 2017).
Xi Jinping's Leadership
Xi Jinping's leadership continues the tradition of economic planning and socio-economic development. He adopts existing principles from the era of Deng Xiaoping, renews the doctrine of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and emphasizes short- and long-term planning, rule of law, and moral education. Xi underscores the importance of scientific and technological innovation in driving economic growth and promotes globalization through initiatives like the Belt and Road. Xi Jinping Thought encapsulates the core ideas of previous leaders, combining Marxist-Leninist principles with practical reforms tailored to contemporary Chinese conditions.
Xi also advocates for the rule of law to ensure social fairness, justice, and equity, which are essential for achieving common prosperity. He argues that the rule of law should eliminate oppression, alienation of rights, conflicts, social unrest, and instability. This perspective aligns with Marx's theory of historical materialism, which posits that institutions like the law, emerging from the economic base, stabilize society or reinforce its economic structure (Peters, 2017).
Historical materialists highlight the significant impact of institutional superstructures on a nation's productive forces. Xi has identified the central role of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in driving economic development and modernization. He argues that the government should be at the forefront of all development plans and ideologies, promoting innovation, reform, and modernization. To fulfill the party's strategic role, Xi calls for strong leadership, party building, accountability, and the eradication of corruption (McCahill, 2017).
Xi has also stressed the importance of moral education for citizens. He believes that moral education should be integrated into all aspects of ideological, moral, cultural, and knowledge education, spanning basic, vocational, and higher education. Schools should not only impart knowledge and cultivate high-end talent but also foster moral integrity. Education should aim to develop virtuous individuals who meet societal and national expectations. The primary mission of teachers is to cultivate virtue in students. The quality of students encompasses scientific, cultural, ideological, political, and moral dimensions. Enhancing students' scientific and cultural knowledge while strengthening their ideological and moral education is crucial. The ultimate goal is to help students develop a correct worldview, life outlook, and values. Ideological, political, and moral education is fundamental to personal growth, as students' thoughts and morals significantly impact their societal contributions (Jinping, 2015).
Xi advocates for leveraging science and technology to drive economic development through innovative methods. He asserts that scientific and technological innovation is key to development, necessitating reforms in uncompetitive economic sectors. Xi promotes comprehensive changes in development principles, institutional structures, and business models to transform the forces driving development and create new growth impetus. He prioritizes major scientific and technological projects, aiming to expedite the commercialization of R&D achievements to align with the shifting growth model. Xi seeks to modernize the industrial system, foster strategic emerging industries, and develop a modern service industry. He aims to elevate industries and products to the medium-high end of the value chain, fostering innovation-driven growth areas with first-mover advantages. Xi also emphasizes using science and technology to promote green development and improve economic performance, recognizing the environment's role in productivity (Jinping, 2016).
Lastly, Xi has called for increased globalization through a win-win strategy and a comprehensive, diversified approach to opening up. He advocates for economic globalization and multilateral trading regimes. Xi plans to expand foreign investment, pilot high-standard free trade zones, implement market-based reforms, open the domestic capital market, and internationalize the renminbi. He encourages the global community to harness the benefits of China's Belt and Road Initiative, promoting major projects and economic corridors to facilitate international trade. Xi aims to enhance the current international economic and trading system to achieve win-win cooperation and common development with global partners.
China's progressive and development path demonstrates the importance of consistent policy, adaptation to realities, and the fusion of core ideologies with practical measures. The country's ability to revamp its economy through policies that enhance productivity, encourage innovation, and employ scientific methods provides valuable lessons for Africa. By examining China's experience, African leaders can glean insights into the policies and practices necessary to drive their own reconstruction and development.
Development in Africa: Challenges and Stagnation
The trajectory of development in Africa has been fraught with difficulties, characterized by slow, rigid, and often nonexistent progress. African leaders have struggled to implement transformative policies that permeate all areas of human life. Despite the continent's vast economic resources, many regions continue to experience poverty, famine, inadequate infrastructure, and poor health conditions (Allen, 1995). For example, Nigeria and Angola, rich in oil and diamond resources, generate billions in revenue from exports, yet over 80% of their populations live on less than one dollar a day (Carmody, 2011). Kuznets (1962) argues that the lack of basic necessities such as food, education, and health impedes Africa's development and modernization. Todaro (1992) asserts that African leadership has failed to improve living standards and enact sustainable economic policies.
In contrast, China has achieved remarkable economic and sustainable development since 1978. The country's transformation from an agricultural to an urban and industrial society provides a key model for Africa. China has transitioned from a command-based to a market-based economy, yielding spectacular results and modern state development (Chan and Hu, 2003). Scholars have closely observed China's economic growth over the past four decades, noting its ability to lift millions out of poverty, an achievement often termed an 'economic miracle.' China's structural transformation involves reallocating productive resources natural resources, land, capital, labor, and expertise from low to high productivity sectors (Monga and Lin, 2019).
Lessons for African Leadership
This research explores Chinese leadership to provide a model for African leadership. Key factors include political ideologies, rule of law, scientific and technological advancement, and practical policy implementation. Chinese leaders have consistently focused on serving the people's interests, creating realistic and practical policies, promoting education (particularly moral education), and leveraging science and technology to drive economic growth. These principles have enabled China to achieve significant productivity and economic development.
About the author:
Adetoro Banwo, deputy director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos. A Chinese version of this article was published on VOLAGOS, the Wechat account of China's Consulate-General in Lagos, Nigeria, Sept. 24, 2024.