Co-evolutionary Pragmatism: Re-examine ‘China Model’ and Its Impact on Developing Countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a gap between the elusive concept of Beijing Consensus and China’s effective practices to promote economic growth at home and in other countries. This article aims to expound this phenomenon by examining both the rationale underlying China’s structural transformation and the corresponding practices in development cooperation. Using a case study on the evolution of infrastructure construction within China and abroad, this article argues that China's success has little to do with a new pattern of state capitalism, but rather presents a different manner of understanding and facilitating modernization. Target-oriented non-linear synergism can drive comprehensive transformation more effectively in developing countries than model-oriented linear mechanism. With a consistent goal, the pragmatic thinking enables multiple stakeholders to coevolve in diverse contexts through open attitude.