The word development means the improvement and elevation of conditions which are suitable for human life. This is twofold -- both physically and mentally. Both these elements should be found in equal degrees for a country to be defined as developed. Sustainable development is currently a much discussed topic, where emphasis is laid on economic development with special reference to the environment. However, development is not solely dependent on economic development. For example, development cannot be determined by merely taking into account the GDP and per capita income of a country. My attempt to define the word development is as a prologue to writing in brief China’s development efforts and the progress it has made so far.

China has proved to the world that making the right decisions at the right time can lead to rapid development. The process of socioeconomic development in China started in the year 1978. It is 40 years since China started the opening-up and reform process. One could witness the great strides taken by China in the development efforts within this 40-year period. What is most important in developing a country is making the right decisions at the right time, maintaining the rule of law, and keeping the country’s cultural identity intact. All these factors were well addressed by the Chinese administration from 1978 to date.

Hundred of journalists representing Asia, Africa and Latin America who had only heard about China’s remarkable economic progress through hearsay could see for themselves the gigantic development efforts achieved by China over the years. We could witness how China is engaged in solving the issues faced by all its people, starting from the villages adopting a bottom-up system of development. The Chinese government is determined to raise the standard of living of people in all provinces by 2020. An official has been appointed to each of the provinces to ensure the success of meeting these objectives by 2020.

With China’s new vision for development, the country’s foreign policy has also taken a new orientation. In fact, it is now a very flexible one - a foreign policy which is very accommodating and friendly. This is in fact an example to other countries too. One can boldly say that China has reached its apex in both agricultural and industrial development, while it can boast of a well-developed educational system. The Chinese authorities believe in the importance of a strong educational and system for the progress of a country.

The Belt and Road Initiative is considered one of the most gigantic development efforts envisioned by a country. The enthusiasm with which this initiative has been received and the support pledged by more than a hundred countries are enough proof of how successful it is. It is a fact that a small country needs the assistance of bigger and more developed countries to facilitate its development efforts. China, as one of the most powerful countries in the Asian continent, is actually fulfilling its duty toward smaller countries in the region through this Belt and Road Initiative. This works two ways. While China will benefit from the profits gained, the smaller country would also equally benefit from the income it will start receiving as a result of being involved in this initiative. However, the prudent management of the funds received is the total responsibility of the receiving country. Friendly countries should take a page from China’s book in this regard and work toward the economic development of their own countries. China doesn’t entertain any imperialistic intentions, nor is it interested in destroying the identity of a country. China’s intention is to make use of this initiative to invest in other countries toward the mutual benefit of China and the country concerned. If this is not understood clearly -- if countries were to misinterpret China’s objectives in this regard and not make use of this golden opportunity -- such countries would have to remain developing nations for a long while.

This applies to Sri Lanka too. Being so strategically placed in terms of geography and with many resources to boast of, we have not been able to achieve significant economic development even after 70 years of freedom from the colonists. I believe that we have to adopt the same kinds of strategies and correct procedures like those adhered to by China, in order to achieve the economic development that we all look forward to. It is no secret that small countries like Sri Lanka need the help of big countries in their march toward economic development. There shouldn’t be any misgivings in our looking to powerful countries in the same region, like China, to help us in our development efforts without always resorting to the West. The Hambantota port is situated approximately 10 nautical miles from one of the busiest shipping lanes in southern Sri Lanka. One can be sure that there will be significant economic benefits arising from China’s involvement in the Hambantota port -- economic advantages we couldn’t have achieved all by ourselves as shown during the past 70 years.

There is no doubt that China’s economic success achieved during the past 40 years will be even more phenomenal in the future. Its foreign policy is a balanced one which is flexible and accommodating toward all countries. This will help China in its march toward further economic success, which can serve as an example to many other countries.

The author is a journalist and author from Sri Lanka.