Modernisation is not a privilege for a few countries, says Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang

Qin tells forum in Shanghai that all countries have an ‘inalienable right’ to modernise and can choose their own paths

He argues that ‘impartial stance’ in Ukraine and brokering deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia shows China’s modernisation is a ‘force for justice’

Reading Time:2 minutes

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang delivers his speech in Shanghai on Fruday. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:00pm, 21 Apr 2023

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has said modernisation should not be a “monopolised privilege” for a few countries.

Qin said in a speech to the Lanting Forum in Shanghai, an event supported by the foreign ministry, that the Chinese-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with its “impartial stance” and push for peace talks in the Ukraine war has proved Chinese modernisation to be a “boost for peace” and a “force for justice”.

“Modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries, but not the monopolised privilege of a few,” Qin said.

“Those who have developed should not tear down the bridge or block other countries’ path to modernisation. And they should not suppress, contain, or stop other countries that choose a different path to modernisation.”

He continued: “China has contributed more to global growth than all the G7 [Group of 7] countries combined.

“With over 1.4 billion people coming towards modernisation, a number larger than the combined population of all developed countries, China will give a much stronger impetus to the global economy.”