Lessons from China’s Rise: Rethinking Progress

"A look at how China’s long-term vision reshapes global progress."

A Childhood Filled With Hopeful Promises

As a child in Pakistan, I often heard the hopeful phrase, "We are about to take off." People said it so often that it felt like a national mantra. But every few years, something would happen, like a financial crisis, political unrest, or a change in policy, and we would go back to where we started. Sometimes even more behind.

A Familiar Story in Argentina

I found a similar pattern when I studied Argentina. A nation abundant in land, culture, and human potential, yet ensnared in cycles of inflation, debt, and political upheaval. I came to understand that this was not solely our narrative. Many developing nations have the same pattern: a short rise in hope followed by another sudden drop.

And Then There Was China

And then there was China, which was going in a very different direction.

It didn't go up in a straight line, but it was planned. Organized. Strategic. The difference made me think hard about one question:

What can other countries learn from China's long-term plans?

Here is a breakdown of that journey, what drives it, and why it is important for countries that are still having trouble turning potential into progress.

A Different Kind of Story About Growth

China's change didn't happen all at once. In the years after it opened its doors to the world, the country grew its exports, attracted foreign investment, and industrialized at an amazing rate. It grew to be the second-largest economy in the world and the biggest exporter.

But fast growth came with risks, like markets that were too hot, too much cash, rising asset prices, and industries making more than they could sell. China didn't just ignore these problems; it changed its mind. It moved toward new ideas, technology, and buying things at home. And it started to look outward, thinking about how it could have a bigger impact on global trade and connectivity.

That change set the stage for the project that would change how the world sees China.

The Belt and Road Initiative: China’s New Silk Road

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was a big idea that China came up with in 2013 to connect the world in a new way. It wasn't just about making roads or ports. It was about changing China's place in the world economy and making long-lasting connections with many other countries.

The goal of BRI was to:

• Make it easier for Chinese goods to get into new markets.

• Make energy routes safer and more reliable for the long term.

• Work on projects together to strengthen geopolitical ties.

• Promote the use of the Chinese currency around the world.

• Make trade routes that don't have any of the usual problems.

• Make the world's economies more connected.

More than seventy countries signed on, which is almost half of the world's population. Rail projects, economic zones, maritime routes, and major corridors like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects western China to the Arabian Sea, all got money.

This wasn't charity for China. It was a plan that was clear, ambitious, and long-term.

How China Fits Into a World That Is Changing

In the past, China stayed out of important global organizations. But when economic shocks showed that the current world order wasn't working, the country changed its mind.

It began to take an active role in global governance, creating new international frameworks and strengthening ties with other countries. But just as important, it spent a lot of money on its own foundations, such as policy consistency, technological growth, and stability at home.

This mix of discipline within China and engagement with the outside world became a key part of its economic identity.

Problems With the Ambition

Even though BRI is big, it has still been criticized. Some partner countries were worried about:

• A lot of debt from big loans for infrastructure.

• Projects that cost too much or don't help the area much.

• Political pressure linked to financial dependence.

• Local businesses having a hard time competing with businesses from other countries.

In some places, protests and changes in government slowed down or stopped projects. But China kept changing its strategy and the terms of the deal when necessary. The vision didn't go away; it changed.

Things to Learn for Pakistan and Argentina

You shouldn't try to copy China's model exactly. Each nation possesses its distinct political culture, geography, and limitations. But there are a few lessons that stand out—lessons that many developing countries could learn from.

1. Don't just think about the election cycle.

Real change takes decades, not just short bursts of change between political parties.

2. Make sure that foreign policy and economic goals are in line with each other.

Not close doors, but open them with diplomacy.

3. Don't see infrastructure as a cost; see it as an investment.

Energy routes, ports, and transport corridors are the building blocks of sovereignty and competitiveness.

4. Consistency is better than speed.

A stable, predictable policy is worth more than growth that happens quickly but isn't stable.

5. Put money into people and their ideas.

When the smartest people in a country are ignored, frustrated, or forced to leave, the country falls behind.

6. Being self-reliant and being involved in the world can go hand in hand.

Not being alone gives you true independence.

A Time to Think

Learning about China's rise has been more than just an academic exercise for me. China's disciplined way of doing things is both inspiring and helpful to me because I come from a country where progress often feels fragile. It shows what can happen when a country sticks to a long-term plan and gets its people, institutions, and resources working toward the same goals.

There is no shortage of potential in Pakistan, Argentina, and many other countries. They don't have a plan, don't stick to it, or have strategic patience.

If we learn from China's best ideas—not its system but its way of thinking—we might finally be able to break the cycle of promise and failure that has shaped our countries for decades.

Miracles don't change countries. They change when they are clear, committed, and brave enough to build for the future instead of the present.