As the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks its 105th anniversary, global experts have highlighted China’s steady progress toward modernization and its growing contribution to international development. Since its founding in 1921 amid foreign aggression, poverty, and national instability, the CPC has led China through significant transformations, shaping the country into the world’s second-largest economy and a key player on the global stage.

Under CPC leadership, China has achieved notable advances in science and technology, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while substantially improving living standards and eliminating absolute poverty. Observers credit the party’s people-centered approach and strong governance as central factors to these accomplishments.

Michael Bornhamm, former head of the European and International Affairs Department of the German state of Hesse, emphasized that the party’s legitimacy is closely tied to its focus on serving the population. He noted that the Chinese people have regained national confidence and self-respect after overcoming foreign humiliation and poverty, largely due to the CPC’s leadership.

In Tanzania, Humphrey P. B. Moshi, professor of economics and founding director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, pointed to the CPC’s role in transforming Chinese society and building a moderately prosperous socialist society with Chinese characteristics. Moshi described this as a historic accomplishment achieved since 1949.

Peter Kagwanja, president and CEO of the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, underscored China’s rapid development since the 1980s, highlighting its rise from one of the world’s poorest countries to an economic powerhouse. Kagwanja cited China’s Belt and Road Initiative and global strategies—such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative—as factors contributing to China’s expanding influence in international trade and diplomacy. He said China’s progress serves as a model for Africa and other parts of the Global South, demonstrating that poverty is not an unavoidable fate.

Zimbabwean researcher and political commentator Mafa Kawnisai Mafa noted that the CPC’s century-long governance experience offers valuable insights for developing countries seeking sovereign paths to modernization. He emphasized the importance of disciplined leadership, capacity building, accountability, and institutional reform in effective state governance.

Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore, added that China’s governance structure has enabled it to play a stabilizing role amid rising geopolitical tensions. He also highlighted the potential global benefits of China’s development strategies, including expanded market openness, technological innovation, digital partnerships, increased trade and investment, and progress toward a green transition.

The reflections from international experts showcase China’s rise as a significant force in global economic and political arenas, underscoring its influence on development discourse, particularly among nations in the Global South.