On October 31, a seminar for Thailand scholars on the 20th CPC National Congress, themed “Chinese Modernization: Inspiration for Developing Countries” was co-hosted by Siam Think Tank and the Thailand Friends of the Silk Road Club. The event brought together experts and scholars from China, Thailand and Singapore to discuss the significance of “Chinese modernization” and the inspiration of the Chinese model for other developing countries.

In his opening remarks, Zhang Lirong, secretary general of China Forum, said that Chinese modernization, a key term proposed at the significant 20th CPC National Congress, will define China’s journey to rejuvenation, provide inspiration for other developing countries, and offer great opportunities for the rest of the world.

Addressed were then made by Xu Erming, chairman of Siam Think Tank, Peng Fei, counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, and Eric Li, vice chairman of China Forum. Eric Li explained the significance of Chinese modernization from three perspectives. First, its success in a country with a population of 1.4 billion has charted a new path for the development of human society. Second, Chinese modernization is highly inclusive, emphasizing equality, respect and mutual benefit among countries. Third, it can help Thailand achieve industrial upgrading.

Li Bo, executive committee member of China Forum and research fellow at the China Institute of Fudan University, and Zhao Minghao, China Forum expert and professor at the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University, delivered keynote speeches. Li Bo explored the opportunities that Chinese modernization would bring to Thailand in terms of industrial upgrading: its focus on technological autonomy could be useful for Thailand to strengthen local R&D, and the technological spillover of product trade between the two countries could boost the Thailand 4.0 strategy and help Thailand get out of its middle-income trap.

Zhao Minghao shared his insights on the connotations of Chinese modernization in the context of the changing international dynamics. Chinese modernization embodies “strategic autonomy” and highlights high-quality growth, a modern industrial system as well as technological innovation, he pointed out, adding that China-Thailand cooperation is crucial in this process.

The event featured scholars, experts and professionals across academia, think tanks and businesses in Thailand, China and Singapore, who acknowledged the importance of exploring Chinese modernization at a time when the international landscape is becoming increasingly complex. At the conclusion of the 20th CPC National Congress, this seminar will help promote cooperation between Thailand, China and other developing countries, and deepen our new consensus on governance models.