The Chinese path to modernization, which is different from that of Western countries, has facilitated global development and promoted peace and friendship among nations, experts said on Friday.

From the time of its founding, China has always regarded itself as a member of the Global South, said former president of Guyana Donald Ramotar when addressing a think tank forum in a video speech. "This is not just a geographical statement, but also a philosophical position."

He noted that the leadership of China has made policies and relations with the developing world on the principle of "solidarity, mutual benefits and promotion of win-win cooperation".

He praised China, as a major powerhouse, for sharing its prosperity with the rest of the world, citing the landmark Belt and Road Initiative as a typical example.

He said projects under the BRI help build much needed infrastructure, promote better creation and allow states to add value to their products, thus breaking out of the vicious cycles of development and boosting sustainable growth.

The attack by Western powers against China is an attempt to not only hinder its cooperation with other developing countries, but also keep developing world "poor, heavily indebted and dependent," he said. "China continues to hold its hands of friendship and to offer cooperation instead of a group competition."

"The West has a bit of attitude of not understanding what mutual respect and equal relationship is," said Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, emphasizing that China has championed a new kind of international relations featuring win-win cooperation, mutual respect and equal partnership.

He compared the zero-sum game pursued by some Western countries to "play tennis", where the final result is "I win and you lose", saying China's win-win concept is like dancing tango.

"You need both players to be good dancers. You do not want to dominate other player; otherwise, it doesn't look good. You want to ensure your partner dances as well."

The BRI is the most important development initiative in the history of humanity which has promoted connectivity and economic growth of the countries and regions involved in the initiative, he said, hoping China could tell the world more about its win-win solutions.

"Modernization without moral foundation is merely mechanization," President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences in Bahrain Ra'ed Mohammed BenShams said, lauding China as a long-time advocate of mutual learning and exchanges among civilizations.

"As we undertake the (modernization) journey, we must remember trust is the most precious resource," he said.

"Partnership must rise above mere economy. It must be built on respect and genuine understanding of each other's moral and cultural foundation. Only then can we create lasting and meaningful cooperation."

Fang Fang, vice-president of Peking University, said China is committed to helping developing countries to enhance their capacity for independent development by sharing its knowledge and experience through education.

Looking forward, Fang called for joint efforts to enhance the human capital of Global South countries, and drive technological progress and industrial upgrading in the Global South countries through technological innovation.