For over two centuries, the humanities and social sciences have grappled with questions about modernization and development. Scholars have long explored how different political systems established mechanisms to legitimize leadership, ensure security and coordinate economic production and the circulation of goods. History reveals that civilizations adopted a wide array of approaches to achieve these goals.
However, in the 19th century, the notion of modernization became closely associated with the imperialist ambitions of European and North Atlantic powers. It was also a legitimizing principle for the expansion of colonial states. This idea of "modernization as Westernization" has been heavily criticized, particularly during the 20th century, when "development" emerged as a new metric to gauge the relative position of countries based on various indicators.
One of the most significant critiques of the traditional notion of development comes from Colombian anthropologist Arturo Escobar, who challenges the universality of development measurement tools.
He argues that any modernization or development project must necessarily be rooted in local contexts, drawing its objectives and concrete measures from the accumulated experience of each civilization.
In light of the significant differences between China and Latin America, an important question arises: Can the Chinese experience in modernization provide valuable lessons for Latin American countries? I believe there are at least five critical aspects of Chinese modernization that should be considered when analyzing future policies for Latin American countries.
The first is the central role of the people in the design and implementation of public policy. In China, popular participation is ensured through various institutional mechanisms, ranging from on-site consultations in the rural communities to online platforms for urban citizens to express their demands and criticisms. The Chinese government, at various levels, has successfully opened multiple channels for popular consultation and evaluation of public policies, ensuring that the voices of its citizens are heard and considered.
A second aspect worth noting is the capacity of the State to plan and invest in long-term projects and assets that not only foster economic growth but also improve the quality of life for the people.
A good example is the expansion of China's railroad network, which has seen unprecedented growth over the past few decades. During the second half of the 20th century, the most developed railroad systems were found in Europe and Japan. Things changed after China made the development of a modern railroad system a national priority and invested heavily in developing a network based on its own capacity.
By the end of 2025, China had built about 165,000 kilometers of railroads, including more than 50,000 km of high-speed rail. This extensive network has transformed the country's economy and enhanced the well-being of the Chinese people, offering a model of infrastructure development that is both convenient and affordable.
Another aspect to consider is China's commitment to improving the conditions of production and achieving environmental sustainability. The Chinese leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of integrating high-quality development with high-level environmental protection. This is significant for Latin American countries, where debates between developmental policies and environmental concerns often result in stalemates that hinder economic growth and social progress. China's approach shows that it is possible to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, offering a path forward for countries facing similar challenges.
A fourth aspect of Chinese modernization that is relevant for the Global South is China's adherence to international norms and opposition to hegemonism, as evidenced by the global public goods initiatives launched between 2013 and 2025. Latin America and the Caribbean have historically been subject to various forms of interventionism and hegemonic pressures from dominant global powers. China's perspective is that peaceful development is not only desirable, but also possible, even in the face of external pressures.
Finally, China's confidence in its unique development path provides a compelling example of autonomy and long-term planning. This confidence is not a blind belief in the historical process but rather the result of a thorough examination of present conditions and historical trajectories, coupled with strategic planning for a better future.
The Communist Party of China has successfully led the Chinese people by integrating the guiding principles of Marxism-Leninism with civilizational values that underpin Chinese ways of life.
Although the Chinese experience is based on a very different trajectory from that of Latin American countries, the principle of adhering to each country's traditions in order to promote modernization is a valuable lesson. It suggests moving away from the notion that modernization requires importation and imitation of Western models and institutions.
This principle applies not only to political traditions but also to cultural and intellectual ones.
As Pablo Vommaro, executive director of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences, cogently states: "Freeing ourselves from Western 'academic intermediaries' and 'ideological filters', and directly and deeply understanding the logic inherent in Chinese governance, is a fundamental requirement for safeguarding the intellectual sovereignty of countries in the Global South and promoting cultural and scientific cooperation on an equal footing."
Building socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era is an unprecedented task. It requires integrating the material and cultural capacities of the Chinese people in cooperation with other peoples in the world to ensure that the benefits of development can be shared with all.
Latin American and Caribbean countries should study China's path to modernization, not as a blueprint to copy, but as one of the most relevant experiences of overcoming underdevelopment and dependency through self-confidence, autonomy and long-term planning.
The author is a professor at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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