Chinese technological advancement has overtaken the West in key areas, including defence, artificial intelligence and green innovation, according to remarks made by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed at a high-level global dialogue in Beijing.
Speaking at the opening of the Global Political Parties Dialogue on “Asia in a Changing World”, Senator Mushahid said China had become a “scientific superpower” and was reshaping global dynamics not through conquest, but by peaceful economic development.
“China is surpassing the West in key sectors, from J10C fighter jets and Deep Seek AI to electric vehicles,” said Mushahid, citing a recent Economist cover story. He framed the trend as part of the broader ‘Rise of the East’, with Asia emerging as the new global centre of gravity.
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Chaired by Senator Mushahid in his role as Co-Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the Dialogue brought together representatives from 250 political parties across 29 countries. The conference was hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) in Beijing.
In a striking geopolitical assertion, Mushahid also described China as “part of South Asia” and “a source of stability in the region,” noting its peaceful relations with nearly all neighbours despite having borders with 14 countries. He stressed that the border dispute with India should not define bilateral relations and must be resolved peacefully.
The panel also featured senior political figures including IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, former Thai Speaker Bokin Balakula, and former Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar.
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Liu echoed Mushahid’s remarks, affirming that China does not aim to export its political model, but offers its poverty alleviation experience as a blueprint for developing nations. “China’s rise has come through reforms and development,” Liu said, adding that China remains committed to cooperation and peaceful coexistence within South Asia.
Pakistan’s presence at the conference was notable, with former Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Senator Anusha Rehman, Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and several business and think tank representatives in attendance.
On the sidelines of the event, Liu held a separate meeting with Senator Mushahid, discussing high-level exchanges between the two countries, including his own visit to Islamabad in June 2024 and the recent trip by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing.
The conference also received congratulatory messages from the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Malaysia, underlining the event’s significance in shaping future regional cooperation.
