China has highlighted ethnic unity, poverty eradication and inclusive development as key pillars of its modernisation drive, saying the country’s ethnic governance model has contributed significantly to social stability and national development.
Mr Ma Hong, Director of Theory Division, Department of Theory and Research, National Ethnic Affairs Commission, stated this during a lecture on General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Thoughts on Strengthening and Improving Ethnic Work at the ongoing Seminar on Ethnic Policy and Practice for Belt and Road Countries in Beijing China.
The Newsmen report that the seminar, organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China’s Ministry of Commerce, brings together participants from several developing countries to exchange experiences on ethnic governance and development.
Ma said China’s ethnic policy is anchored on the goal of national rejuvenation and the promotion of common prosperity among all ethnic groups.
“The Chinese nation is a united family of 56 ethnic groups, where not a single one can be left behind,” he said.
According to him, China’s poverty alleviation programme achieved historic results by ensuring that development reached all ethnic communities.
“By 2021, China had lifted all 98.99 million impoverished people, including 31.21 million people from ethnic regions, out of poverty,” he said.
Ma described the achievement as a historic milestone that enabled all ethnic groups to share in the country’s moderate prosperity.
He noted that China’s current focus is on advancing modernisation while ensuring that ethnic minority regions are integrated into the country’s overall development strategy.
“We should promote high-quality development in ethnic minority areas, support their integration into national development and promote the common prosperity of all ethnic groups,” he said.
He stressed that fostering a strong sense of national community remains central to China’s ethnic affairs policy.
“The sense of community for the Chinese nation is to guide people of all ethnic groups to firmly establish a shared community of interdependence, shared honour and shared destiny,” he said.
He emphasised that China seeks to balance national cohesion with cultural diversity.
“We must adhere to enhancing commonality while respecting and embracing diversity,” Ma said.
According to him, the policy includes protecting ethnic traditions, languages, customs and cultural heritage while strengthening identification with the broader Chinese nation.
On governance, Ma said ethnic affairs must be managed within the framework of the rule of law.
“We should govern ethnic affairs on the track of the rule of law, protect the legitimate rights and interests of people of all ethnic groups and ensure that everyone is equal before the law,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural identity in promoting national unity.
“Cultural identity is the deepest level of identity, the root of national unity and the soul of national harmony,” he said.
Ma further argued that there is no universal model for addressing ethnic issues, noting that countries must develop approaches suited to their realities.
“There is no one-size-fits-all model for handling ethnic issues or governing ethnic affairs. The key lies in finding the right path that suits one’s own realities,” he said.
The director maintained that China’s experience demonstrated the effectiveness of policies tailored to national conditions, adding that the country’s ethnic relations remained generally harmonious.
He said China’s approach could provide useful insights for countries seeking solutions to challenges associated with diversity, social cohesion and inclusive development.
The seminar continues with lectures, policy discussions and field visits aimed at exposing participants to China’s experiences in ethnic governance, rural revitalisation and social development.