The “China model” concept began taking hold after Beijing recorded impressive economic growth after 30 years of opening-up and reform policies started in 1978.
While the model often takes on different meanings depending on who you talk to, it remains a benchmark by which to measure against the so-called "Western model".
However, the two models are rooted in fundamentally different development goals, making comparing the two irrelevant.
China's success story and the steps taken to achieve this have been driven by one fundamental goal: to improve the lives of Chinese citizens.
On the other hand, the West's approach is to influence the political leanings of developing countries through foreign aid packages.
China's model starkly contrasts this approach as it doesn't aim to establish dominance over other countries it interacts with.
Lessons in pragmatism
Developing countries can learn much from the pragmatism of the China model, which prioritises economic empowerment over political allegiance.
For example, according to China's Ministry of Commerce, through investments from China’s SOEs and private companies and the overall BRI framework, China-Africa trade has exceeded $2tn in the past decade.
