The Beauty of China Lies in Steadfast Progress on the Path of Development
PublishTime：2026-01-20
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The Beauty of China Lies in Steadfast Progress on the Path of Development
On January 19, 2026, Patronilla Hamandawana, the Deputy Director, Protocol and Conferences, External Relations Department, ZANU PF HQ and a member of the 2025 cohort of the "Overseas Elite Program on Governance" in the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, published an article titled "The Beauty of China Lies in Steadfast Progress on the Path of Development" in the International Observer section of People's Daily Overseas Edition. The article was translated and edited by Sun Shiqi. The full text is published below:
The Beauty of China Lies in Steadfast Progress on the Path of Development
Patronilla Hamandawana
Not long ago, as a member of the 2025 Overseas Elite Program on Governance in the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, I had the privilege of participating in field research across multiple regions of China alongside 27 fellow students. After this journey, I concluded that the achievements of Chinese modernization can be attributed to its profound historical culture and effective governance model.
The Chinese government is deeply committed to preserving and restoring historical sites. History is carefully conserved in books, documentaries, and museums. This thoughtful preservation allows the Chinese people to always remember their roots. For instance, we visited the CPC History Exhibition Hall, where I witnessed Communist Party members renewing their vows—pledging to devote their lives to the cause of communism. It was profoundly moving. From the Opium War to the founding of New China, from reform and opening-up to the proposal of various international initiatives, the Chinese people have drawn wisdom from their history, achieving a remarkable journey from standing up, to becoming prosperous, and now growing strong.
The Chinese people cherish their culture, respect their elders, honor their ancestors, and skillfully apply knowledge systems rooted in their traditional heritage. They are hardworking, responsible, friendly, and kind. During our visits to multiple locations, the staff we encountered—and even ordinary people we met on the streets—were helpful and hospitable. Even when language posed a barrier, kindness connected us, because love transcends words.
The country also boasts impressive infrastructure. Cities are clean, architecture is elegant, transportation systems are well-developed, and public services are efficient. Our research took us from Beijing to Yueyang in Hunan, then to Jinggangshan in Jiangxi, Fuzhou in Fujian, Yiwu in Zhejiang, Suzhou in Jiangsu, and finally Shanghai. I observed that China’s modernization has not come at the expense of nature. The harmony between people and the natural environment left me in awe.
All these qualities I’ve mentioned have enabled China to rise from a poor and backward nation to the world’s second-largest economy, achieve leadership in fields like artificial intelligence, and eliminate absolute poverty. The beauty of China lies in its steady progress along the path of development. Through various initiatives and concrete actions, China truly walks alongside other developing countries. The Chinese believe that “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This philosophy underpins China’s commitment to providing international public goods.
As a Zimbabwean, I firmly believe that we, too, can—like China—strive tirelessly to elevate our national economic development. China’s success inspires us: we are fully capable of forging our own path to modernization, becoming a technologically advanced nation, and eradicating absolute poverty. With qualities, goals, and aspirations similar to China’s, how can we not succeed? Let us take China as an example and build our nation brick by brick, leaving no one and no place behind.
How I wish more Zimbabweans could one day come to China and experience all this for themselves. I am certain that many more would fall in love with this country, just as I have.
