People-centered governance, a philosophy in resonance

During my time in China, I have gained insights that paint a picture of a nation in transformation. Meeting colleagues and local people from different provinces gave me a deeper and more complete understanding of how life is changing there. It's evident how the country's leadership is steadily improving the well-being of its people, and why this focus is the cornerstone of Chinese state policy.

From the perspective of political science, President Xi Jinping's governance principles are visibly driving fundamental improvements in the quality of life for the citizens of this remarkable nation.

As the axiom goes, "Living in a society, one cannot be free from it …" This fits very well in China, where state policy profoundly enriches the lives of millions of people, making them richer, more diverse, and happier.

While studying the works of the Chinese leader and official government documents, I was especially interested in understanding the fundamental reasons underpinning the government's actions. Why do they resonate so deeply with the people of China? What defines the "art of governance with Chinese characteristics" today?

Since my student days, when I learned about the philosophy of a fair society, I have supported the ideals of a social welfare state. Today, China has succeeded in eradicating absolute poverty.

Visitors to the country admire its transformed social and technological infrastructure, its rejuvenated cities and roads, and its beautiful, well-maintained ecological and tourist areas. Most importantly, the optimism and hope in the eyes of its people convince me that China prioritizes their welfare.

This people-centered approach is the essence of every decision made by the Party and the government, aimed at building socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. These ideas have deep cultural and philosophical roots in Chinese tradition.

As a philosopher, I appreciate the idea of humanity as the guiding principle in Chinese philosophy, which I believe forms the basis of China's national worldview.

Kazakhstan feels very close to these ideas, especially as our society embraces a vision of a Just Kazakhstan, proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. I am convinced that his worldview was greatly influenced by Chinese philosophy which he absorbed while studying at the Beijing Language and Culture University and his direct communication with Xi on governance matters.

Tokayev also believes that the government must serve the interests of society and views governance as a way to improve people's lives. This shared philosophy highlights the similarities in how China and Kazakhstan approach state management, as well as the hopes and dreams of ordinary people in the two countries.

Xi has repeatedly emphasized that all state policies aim to improve people's lives, enhance their well-being and ensure their safety. This human-centric approach to governance is the core of Xi's vision of building "socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era".

The human-centric development programs initiated by the Party and the government have become a model of responsible leadership.

Tokayev also applies these principles in Kazakhstan for the benefit of the people.

One important step in this direction was the adoption of Kazakhstan's new Constitution, ratified by voters in a national referendum on March 15 this year.

It symbolizes the people's choice to build a just state for all citizens, a constitutional principle warmly received in China. Following the enactment of the new Constitution, Tokayev made his first official visit to China, sharing his thoughts on Kazakhstan's new model of state-building with Xi.

The Constitution defines Kazakhstan as a democratic, secular, law-based and socially oriented state, and, like China, places the protection of people's lives, rights and freedoms at the center of its governance.

Tokayev recently called for a shift from a paternalistic model of governance toward one that empowers individuals, emphasizing social justice, patriotism, hard work and the development of human potential as the foundation of Kazakhstan's future.

While interacting with students and scientists in China, I gained a deeper understanding of the modern Chinese dream. During a meeting at a Chinese university, I asked how today's youth view the idea of the Chinese dream and fair governance. The students explained the core idea from various perspectives. The Chinese dream is fundamentally about people living a happy and prosperous life.

All state policies are designed to create conditions for the country's prosperity, as well as the well-being and happiness of every citizen.

In political terms, this is exactly the human-centric policy that Xi puts into practice.

The author is a member of the Council of International Relations under the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a member of the Congress of Political Scientists of Kazakhstan and director of the Center for Comparative Political Research under the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.