China efforts help advance global peace

China's remarkable achievements over the past 75 years have greatly promoted global peace and development, and provides valuable experiences for African countries to achieve sustainable development, said Vincent Meriton, former vice-president of Seychelles.

"China's development over the past 75 years is nothing short of remarkable," Meriton said in an interview with China Daily on Monday. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has been able to achieve what no other country has been able to do, he said.

Over the past seven and a half decades, China has pulled hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, developed into the second-largest economy in the world, and become a leader in many areas, including technology, he said.

"China has become a dynamic partner on the international stage, not for economic or military hegemony, but as the force for good, for peace, development, security, tolerance, and understanding, but most of all mutual respect."

Speaking ahead of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Meriton said China has been able to maintain a balance between seeking modernization and retaining a rich cultural heritage, which impressed him the most.

"Having visited China several times, I've seen firsthand the transformation of the country, and each visit has left me more impressed than the last. Today China is a global powerhouse, excelling in areas like technology, infrastructure and innovation," he said.

"But beyond infrastructure and economic growth, what's equally impressive is China's ability to maintain a rich cultural heritage while embracing modernization. Each region has its own unique flavor, and you can feel the balance between preserving tradition and pushing forward with innovation."

Sustainable growth

China's commitment to sustainable growth is also evident, and major strides have been made in renewable energy in China, leading the world in solar and wind power production, he said.

Calling China a "true friend", Meriton also lauded China-Seychelles relations over the past decades since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.

"Every Seychellois knows the pivotal role China has played in the development of our country, and how the friendship, mutual respect and trust between our nations have grown over the years," he said, adding projects undertaken by China such as education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure and culture have promoted Seychelles' development.

"China has been involved in building major landmarks such as the National Assembly building, the Supreme Court, and the ongoing Social Housing projects, just to name a few," he said.

"What impresses me most is the nature of the relationship between China and Seychelles. It's not just about economic or diplomatic ties; it's based on mutual respect, trust, and the understanding of our shared goals," he said.

"What stands out for me is how China's support has always been consistent and focused on sustainable, long-term development for Seychelles, which reflects the strength of our friendship."

On a broader scale, China-Africa cooperation over the past decades has yielded fruitful results, and it has set a benchmark for international partnerships, said Meriton, adding he anticipates the cooperation will be intensified following the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing earlier this month.

Meriton said the proposal by President Xi Jinping during the summit about working with Africa to achieve modernization for both sides reflects China's forward-looking vision and commitment to equitable development.

"I believe this is a powerful message that resonates deeply with Africa's aspirations. Modernization, in this context, is not just about infrastructure or technological advancements, but also about building a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for both regions," he said.

Meriton, who is also chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Friendship between Seychelles and China, said he also anticipates more people-to-people exchanges over the next decades between the two countries to solidify the foundation for friendly relations.

"At the end of the day, it is the people-to-people exchanges that give life to diplomatic relations as well as trade relations," he said, emphasizing the important roles played by organizations such as the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, which marks its 70th anniversary in October, in promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchanges, and cooperation between China and other countries.

China's achievements over the past 75 years can also offer experiences for Africa and help African countries to achieve development goals and realize their potential, said Meriton.

"China's experience in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, fostering rapid industrialization, and creating a globally competitive economy is something that Africa can learn from," he said.

China's journey demonstrates that with vision, determination and the right policies, a nation can progress rapidly while staying true to its roots, he said.