Speaking at the International Seminar on CPC on International Community's Eyes: Innovation of Theories and Practices of Chinese Modernization recently in Beijing, Dr. Buchanan said one of the most striking observations from his visit to China was the country's ability to maintain consistent development goals over time.

"Many countries in Africa face the challenge of ensuring that public policies and development projects can transcend political cycles," Dr. Buchanan said.

"For this reason, it is inspiring to observe experiences that demonstrate how consistent planning, clear objectives, and sustained implementation over time can generate significant progress."

He argued that China's experience offers important lessons for developing countries, including those in Africa, in areas such as political reforms, ecological protection, social governance and economic transformation.

Drawing on observations made during visits to several Chinese cities and development projects, Buchanan said he witnessed firsthand the impact of modernization on people's lives.

"We saw how much Chinese people feel really happy with such better quality of lives as they enjoy," he said, noting China's achievements in poverty reduction, access to public services, education and technological advancement.

Buchanan described China's development as evidence that "a nation can modernize without treading the path of external expansion or environmental depletion."

He also highlighted the growing partnership between Rwanda and China, describing it as a relationship built on shared development aspirations and practical cooperation.

According to Dr. Buchanan, the two countries have expanded collaboration in sectors including education, health, agriculture, digital technology, energy and infrastructure development.

He noted that more than 300 Rwandan students are currently studying in China on scholarships, while over 1,500 others have graduated from Chinese universities and returned home to work in various sectors.

"China is a leading source of foreign direct investment in Rwanda," he said, adding that future cooperation could focus on digital economies, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Beyond economic cooperation, Dr. Buchanan said one of the most important lessons from China's experience is the value of long-term planning.

He stressed that international cooperation should go beyond information exchange to include trust-building and mutual learning between nations.

"Bridges between cultures do more than connect countries. They generate new ideas, new opportunities, and new ways of working together to address the challenges of our time," he said.

He expressed hope that exchanges between Rwanda and China would continue to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation, contributing to what he described as a shared future built on peace, prosperity and development