Regional Resonance of Chinese Modernization: Public Survey in Central Asia and Pakistan Reveals Shared Vision for Development

The pursuit of modernization is a common aspiration for all of humanity, yet historical experiences demonstrate that there is no singular, prescriptive path to achieving it. In the context of today’s increasingly multi-polar and diverse global landscape, Chinese modernization represents more than just the results of China’s own leapfrog development. It has emerged as a trans-formative paradigm for countries across the Global South seeking independent and sustainable development paths. China firmly holds that modernization should never be the exclusive privilege of a few countries, but rather as a diverse exploration based on each country’s unique national conditions. China remains committed to the principles of mutual learning and the spirit of the Global South, aiming to share the governance wisdom and developmental experiences it has accumulated in areas such as poverty alleviation, technological innovation, infrastructure construction, and social governance. This sharing is not an export of a rigid model, but rather a collaborative dialogue on how to achieve regional prosperity through high-level openness and high-quality growth while respecting national sovereignty and cultural diversity. To this end, under the Project of ACCWS Knowledge Sharing, the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), Islamabad, conducted an extensive public opinion survey across Central Asia countries and Pakistan, aiming to capture public perceptions, identify opportunities for strategic alignment, and lay the groundwork for a closer community with a shared future.

1. Economy and Trade Cooperation: Tangible Win-Win Dividends and Local Wage Growth

In the realm of economic and trade cooperation, the survey results underscore the profound positive influence and driving force of China’s economic vitality on regional markets. An overwhelming majority of respondents perceive China as a vibrant and influential global economic power. This high level of recognition translates directly into a strong consumer preference, with nearly all respondents expressing a willingness to purchase Chinese products. This trend reflects the tangible contribution of “Made in China” to improving the quality of life for local residents across the region.

Furthermore, the survey highlights the depth of mutual benefit inherent in these economic ties. More than 60% of respondents observed that Chinese enterprises operating in their countries do not merely create jobs but also significantly contribute to the enhancement of local salary levels. This perception is bolstered by the visible success of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, which over half of the participants affirmed as a key driver for regional connectivity and economic revitalization. These economic bonds have evolved beyond simple trade into deep integration of industrial and value chains, providing a solid material foundation for the modernization and economic autonomy of regional states.

2. Development Philosophy: High Awareness and the Learnability of Chinese Modernization

Regarding development philosophy, the Chinese path to modernization, characterized by its balance of universal values and specific national characteristics, has found a broad and deep resonance. The survey data indicates a high level of public awareness regarding the concept of Chinese modernization. Crucially, more than 60% of the public believes that this model possesses significant learnable value and can serve as a useful reference for their own nations as they explore development paths suited to their specific circumstances.

Respondents generally agree that Chinese modernization incorporates the common features of modern civilization while maintaining a distinct national identity, a philosophy that aligns with the desire of people in Central Asia and Pakistan for independent development. By recognizing core elements such as “people-centered development” and “green growth”, regional citizens are expressing their expectations for the quality and sustainability of their own future growth. This conceptual consensus provides a vital psychological foundation for future high-level dialogues and think-tank exchanges on national governance, demonstrating that Chinese development wisdom is increasingly being viewed as a shared intellectual resource for regional progress.

3. Multilateral Mechanisms: Consolidating Regional Governance through the SCO and the Shanghai Spirit

In the field of multilateral mechanisms and global governance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is viewed with high expectations as a cornerstone for regional stability and cooperative growth. The survey reveals that the SCO and its member states enjoy immense public visibility, with over 80% of respondents expressing familiarity with the Shanghai Spirit—the guiding principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and consultation. The public does not merely see the SCO as a traditional security alliance, but they place a high value on its effectiveness in promoting national trade and improving the global governance architecture. Over 60% of those surveyed believe the organization has effectively enhanced the voice of regional countries in international affairs and serves as a vital force in upholding multilateralism against unilateral hegemony. This trust in multilateral frameworks reflects a collective desire to address global challenges through collaborative efforts. China’s initiatives for global governance are perceived as constructive proposals for reforming the international system and moving toward a more just and equitable world order, further strengthening the confidence of regional nations to walk the path of modernization together.

4. Technological Innovation: Synergizing Tech-Empowerment with Local Talent Training

Technological innovation has emerged as a key pillar of cooperation, with China widely recognized as the engine driving the regional digital transformation. Public sentiment toward China’s breakthroughs in frontier fields such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G communications, high-speed rail, and new energy is exceptionally positive. Over 80% of respondents acknowledge China’s global leadership in these high-tech sectors. Beyond mere admiration, the survey captures the “spillover effect” of Chinese technology, with more than 60% of respondents affirming the efforts of Chinese enterprises in training local scientific and technical talent and enhancing local capacities for independent innovation. This “teach a man to fish” approach ensures that technological progress is not just about the import of equipment but the cultivation of actual productive forces within local societies.

As the Digital Silk Road continues to expand, technological innovation is becoming a vital bond connecting China with the people of Central Asia and Pakistan, providing sustainable support for the intelligent and green transformation of regional economies and allowing citizens to experience the direct dividends of technology-driven development.

5. Regional Cooperation and Cultural Exchange: New Bonds for a Community with a Shared Future

Finally, in the spheres of regional cooperation and cultural exchange, the survey highlights the deepening of people-to-people bonds as a vital stabilizer for long-term relations. There is a remarkably high level of awareness regarding regional visions such as the China-Central Asia Community with a Shared Future, reflecting an optimistic outlook on regional integration and long-term partnership. In terms of cultural mutual learning, respondents see exchange as the bedrock for increasing understanding and eliminating misconceptions. More than 60% believe that China and Pakistan should continue to strengthen cultural learning from one another. Platforms such as Confucius Institutes, vocational training centers, and the increasingly popular use of short-video social media are playing a multi-dimensional role in promoting cultural dissemination and emotional connection.

The general consensus is that only through deep cultural communication and educational cooperation can a resonance be built that transcends material interests, giving the Belt and Road Initiative and other grand visions a sense of lived reality among the grassroots. This bottom-up support provides a broad space for interaction in education, tourism, and media, injecting enduring warmth into the regional partnership.

The research team carried out this large-scale questionnaire survey between August and September 2025 across five key regional countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. To ensure the scientific rigor and representative nature of the data, the survey was deployed in multiple languages, including English and Russian, covering diverse social groups across different ages, educational backgrounds, and professions. A total of 2,736 valid responses were collected and analyzed. Through rigorous data processing and field observation, this research not only reveals the dynamic evolution of public perceptions regarding Chinese modernization in Central Asia and Pakistan but also provides valuable empirical evidence and policy recommendations for strengthening development cooperation and people-to-people connectivity within the SCO framework. The results serve as a powerful testament to the growing attractive force of China’s development path and the strong collective will of regional countries to act as partners on the journey toward shared modernization.