Ali Mohammad Sabeghi, Member of the Scientific Council of the Tianxia Think Tank and Former Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in China
China’s transformation from political and economic turmoil into a global power was driven by coordinated reforms across the economy, governance, education, and culture. After the failures of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping replaced ideological rigidity with pragmatic policymaking, launching gradual market-oriented reforms that fueled decades of rapid growth.
China’s Pragmatism, Governance, and Cultural Confidence
Rather than pursuing shock reforms, China adopted a step-by-step approach, beginning with agriculture before expanding reforms to industry, trade, and investment. The state maintained a strategic role while allowing market forces to improve efficiency. At the same time, China rebuilt its education system, restored cultural heritage, invested in innovation, and strengthened institutional governance through long-term planning and merit-based administration.
China’s success cannot be explained by economic reform alone. Its rise resulted from integrating economic modernization with cultural confidence, human capital development, and effective governance. This comprehensive model enabled China to emerge as one of the world’s leading economies while preserving its national identity and enhancing its global influence.
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