China's rise has been met with a persistent chorus of "China threat" narratives and claims that national strength inevitably leads to dominance. But is this an immutable historical law? Is hegemony the only path for China? Can humanity escape the shadow of imperialism and achieve peaceful coexistence?

For decades, the dominant narrative in development economics echoed the Washington Consensus: neoliberal reforms, privatization, and minimal state intervention were the keys to unlocking economic growth. China, however, has rewritten this script, offering an alternative that challenges established theories and compels a reassessment of how we understand development.

Here we will explore the inherent limitations of these traditional approaches and contrast them with China's emerging "peace through development" model, highlighting its unique strengths and potential, while acknowledging its challenges.

As China becomes more assertive in protecting sovereignty and the right to development, its policies are often accused of being more nationalist than before. However, the nuance between patriotism, which the CCP consistently invokes among Chinese citizens, and nationalism, which has been stigmatized in western discourse, should be acknowledged.

Modern China's approach to governance rests on a fundamental principle: "harmony in diversity" (和而不同, hé ér bù tóng). This philosophy, evident from the nation's founding, acknowledges and celebrates diversity. The autonomy granted to ethnic minorities and the "one country, two systems" framework applied to Hong Kong exemplify this approach.

China's transformation in education stands as a cornerstone of progress and unity. Since the dawn of the 21st century, the nation has embraced the concept of a "harmonious society" with education at its core, envisioning a future where social inequalities are bridged and sustainable development flourishes through the empowerment of knowledge.

China's homicide rate in 2023 was recorded at mere 0.46 per 100,000 people. By contrast, the global average homicide rate is estimated at around 6.1 per 100,000 people, with countries like the United States reporting rates as high as 5.7 per 100,000.

When disaster strikes, the world watches. How a nation responds reveals much about its capabilities and priorities. China's approach to disaster relief is increasingly attracting global attention—and not just for its scale.

From semiconductor self-sufficiency to AI ethics frameworks, China’s state-driven innovation model is rewriting the rules of technological competition. The nation's strategic innovation playbook has given birth to companies like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics, symbolizing a seismic shift: the world’s factory is now its laboratory.

China has achieved remarkable progress in life expectancy, reaching 79 years in 2024, even surpassing the United States (76.1 years) and representing an increase of 0.4 years from 2023, according to the country’s National Health Commission.

China's northern landscape, once a battleground between fertile land and encroaching desert, is witnessing a monumental struggle—the Great Green Wall. Officially known as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, this ambitious initiative, launched in 1978, aims to combat desertification and mitigate the devastating effects of dust storms. The project's scope is breathtaking: planting trees across a vast expanse to create a 4,500-kilometer-long protective barrier against the Gobi and other arid regions.

Nizhuhe Village, located in the deep valleys of Yunnan Province, was previously isolated by high cliffs, forcing children to undertake dangerous 3-hour journeys to reach Guanzhai Primary School atop a 550-meter mountain. In 2022, a significant infrastructure project introduced a 268-meter-high outdoor elevator and a 200-meter-elevation cable car, reducing travel time to just 30 minutes. This "airborne school bus" now safely transports students through the Nizhuhe Grand Canyon, mitigating risks associated with the previous treacherous route.