Islamabad (Khyber Mail): China’s vision of “common prosperity” should be viewed not only as a domestic goal but as a global principle guiding international relations, said Professor Gao Jian during a seminar hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on China’s approach to “Peace through Development.” The event brought together scholars and policymakers to explore China’s alternative model of modernization and its implications for global peace and economic cooperation.
Professor Gao Jian, Senior Expert and Secretary General at the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies, highlighted the historical and strategic evolution of China’s modernization. He traced its roots to the 19th century, when Chinese thinkers saw modernization as vital for national survival, culminating in the transformative reforms of 1979 under Deng Xiaoping’s Open-Door Policy.
“China’s path to modernization challenges the traditionally Western-centric narrative,” Gao said, noting that the country has combined economic growth, political stability, and cultural heritage to become the world’s second-largest economy—surpassing the U.S. in several metrics. Despite growing global discourse on economic decoupling, he emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to further opening its economy and promoting mutual development.
At the heart of China’s approach, Gao stressed, is the belief that peace and development are inseparable. “Lasting peace is only possible when every country—regardless of size or global standing—has access to economic development,” he said. “This is why China champions common prosperity and interdependence as pillars of global stability.”
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, underscoring Pakistan’s shared commitment to peaceful progress and inclusive growth. He praised China’s role in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty through economic cooperation and trade, becoming the world’s largest trading nation in the process.
Calling for greater international cooperation, Ambassador Saleem urged nations to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue, multilateralism, and global governance reforms. He emphasized the importance of a people-centric second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on skill development, technology transfer, and employment generation to fully leverage Pakistan’s youth potential.
The seminar concluded with a consensus on the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive development as foundational elements for a stable and prosperous global future.