African leaders are eagerly looking to the Chinese modernization experience as a model for more fair and sustainable development, said Sun Yuzhou, an associate professor of modern African and global history at the Department of History under Fudan University in Shanghai.
The Chinese scholar discussed in depth how Africa's vision of modernization converges with China's during a special program co-produced by China Global Television Network and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.
"I think, what's really core in Africa's vision of modernization is the idea that you should have a long-term vision of understanding how national growth and more balanced, harmonious kind of development could contribute to the wider population. It does not only mean economic growth, but also the social benefits and welfare being provided to the whole national population. So in that sense, I think what's really important here is a more sustainable way of doing business, but also to make that benefit (of) economic growth to be fairly distributed across the nation. And China, I think, has its own experience and positive ones to share to most African countries in the sense that it went through different stages of development," said Sun.
"And it is, of course, state initiatives, some of the economic reforms and so on. But the private sector also plays a huge role. I think it's quite important to really understand the more kind of harmonious relationship between the public and the private sector, and this is what exactly most of the heads of state of Southern African countries are looking for. And China, I think, would be able to provide, I think, both the good ones and the bad lessons and experience to their counterparts," the professor added.
China's development inspires Africa's path to modernization: scholar
Starting on Saturday, the Budapest China town hosted a two-day Spring Festival celebration, bringing traditional Chinese performances, delicacies and culture to the city, and attracting locals to try all kinds of activities from the east. The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together thousands of artists and visitors from the East and the West to welcome the approaching 2025 Spring Festival, which marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year on Jan 29.
"The reason why we are here is that we are very much interested in Chinese culture, tradition and music," said a visitor. With dragon and lion dances, as well as traditional Chinese operas performed, Chinese music and dances are among the most popular forms of entertainment, especially for children. "My children love Chinese culture, so I've taken them here," said a mother with two kids. "I think this is awesome, and the music is the most attractive part. It is worth a visit," added her daughter. Many families reached the place early in the morning to find the best positions to enjoy the shows and events, which provides local people a chance to learn about Chinese traditions. "Since the temple fair's opening this morning, we have been here with the family members and our little boy loves everything here, particularly the music and dance," said a father. "We know that every Chinese Lunar Year is connected with a different animal, and as far as I know, this year is a Year of the Snake," said his wife. Every Chinese Lunar New Year ushers in a new reigning animal representing one of the 12 zodiac signs on the Chinese lunar calendar, with 2025 being a Year of the Snake.
Among all the visitors, István Jakab, deputy speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, guested the fair, and shared his best wishes for China-Hungary relations. "The friendship between China and Hungary has been a legend, and the future is bright and beautiful. Till now, the cooperation between the two countries has been productive, and we are confident we will seek closer cooperation in the future. Gong Xi Fa Cai [Wish You Great Fortune]," said Jakab. "Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wish You Great Fortune)," he added, extending best New Year wishes in Chinese.
Chinese New Year fair opened in Budapest to mark upcoming Spring Festival