HAVANA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's millenary history and the successful experience achieved in the last 40 years constitute a model for the world, a Chinese researcher said here on Tuesday.

China's recent achievements "have saved socialism in the 21st century," Tang Haijun, researcher and counselor of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said in an interview with Xinhua after addressing the 4th International Conference for the Balance of the World, an event that brings together more than 600 intellectuals, academics, students and social leaders from 62 countries.

In his opinion, the model built with Chinese characteristics constitutes a "theoretical innovation to scientific socialism" and has shown its own success.

Speaking of the achievements of the reform and opening-up undertaken by China over the past four decades and its impact on economic development and social welfare, Tang highlighted the reduction of poverty in China where some 700 million were lifted out of poverty.

"During the reform and opening-up we have developed the largest social security system in the world. We can say the process has changed the face of China and the life of its people," he said.

"The practice over the past 40 years confirms that the reform and opening-up in China has allowed the country to make great achievements and adapt itself to the demands of the times, while at the same time allowing the creation of a path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics," he added.

Tang said the four decades have offered valuable experience for developing countries to achieve sustainable progress.

"China has worked actively to build an open world economy and a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as to promote global governance," he said.

The researcher also highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to promote interconnected development and expand new growth spaces for the world economy.

Tang said the world's current problems must be addressed through cooperation and the common development of all nations.

"Multilateralism and the free trade system are subject to constant attacks, while protectionism and anti-globalization are spreading throughout the planet. We must work for the construction of an open global economy," he said.

He said China's role has been strong and decisive in the face of these global threats.