Prominent political figures, scholars, and media executives emphasized that political parties in Global South countries must act based on national conditions to drive economic growth and modernization. They made these remarks on Friday in Beijing during the 2026 Think Tank Forum on National Governance in Developing Countries. The high-level forum took place ahead of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, which falls on Wednesday.

Over 150 experts, scholars, and media representatives from more than 20 countries and international organizations attended the event. Xie Chuntao, executive vice-president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, stated that the Chinese path to modernization is viable and steadily advancing. He described it as the only correct path to building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation.

Xie Chuntao highlighted that the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, has provided scientific theory guidance and strategic blueprints. He noted that China's five-year plans break down strategies into phased tasks to ensure the right actions are taken at the right time. Qu Qingshan, president of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, outlined the CPC's four major responsibilities over the past 105 years: leading the country, promoting development, preserving culture, and maintaining peace.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, pointed out that China has proposed four major global initiatives to pool efforts for modernization and common security. He stated that the CPC increasingly serves as a vital force in driving political parties worldwide to explore governance laws and exchange experiences. Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group, emphasized innovation in theory, a people-centered stance, and openness as key aspects of governance by political parties.

Tamara Duisenova, director of the Academy of Political Management of Kazakhstan and former Kazakh deputy prime minister, said the historical mission of political parties goes beyond elections. She noted that they are becoming institutions of public diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding and trust. Jose Luis Centella, chairman of the Communist Party of Spain, called for equal dialogue between Global South and North countries, rejecting zero-sum games and colonial thinking.

Erik Solheim, chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former undersecretary-general of the United Nations, praised China's economic expansion and poverty reduction. He highlighted the improved ecology in China as an enormous economic asset and stressed the importance of special economic zones in driving industrialization. Ong Tee Keat, former deputy speaker of the lower house of the Malaysian parliament, endorsed China's efforts in global artificial intelligence governance to bridge the digital divide threatening the Global South.