The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has reached its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of China’s efforts to promote common prosperity across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, the BRI has emerged as a beacon of cooperation and development, offering an alternative approach to international relations.
At a time when global tensions are high and geopolitical rivalries threaten stability, the BRI provides a platform for countries to collaborate for mutual benefit. This initiative, led by China, emphasizes economic interdependence, the establishment of dispute resolution mechanisms, and the pursuit of shared growth, fostering more prosperous and stable regions less prone to conflict.
African and West Asian countries have embraced the BRI as a model for development. Through a vast network of land and maritime trade routes, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic integration. President Xi Jinping highlighted this vision at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, stating, “The Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit is the most important source of strength for Belt and Road cooperation.“
In Africa, the BRI has contributed significantly to infrastructure development, including the construction of over 10,000 kilometers of roads, more than 6,000 kilometers of railways, and numerous ports, airports, power plants, schools, and hospitals. These projects have improved people’s welfare and offered an alternative to traditional development models.
In West and South Asia, China’s efforts under the BRI focus on enhancing connectivity and fostering economic ties. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for instance, connects China’s western regions to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, providing direct access to the Arabian Sea and boosting regional trade. Improved road, rail, and air transportation systems facilitate economic growth and people-to-people exchanges, promoting a shared destiny of harmony and development.
Moreover, China’s investment in the energy sector of Persian Gulf countries underscores the BRI’s role in securing efficient energy supplies and enhancing energy connectivity. Projects like pipelines and energy facilities near strategic locations such as the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate China’s commitment to mutual benefit and regional stability.
As the BRI enters its second decade, it continues to reshape international cooperation by prioritizing shared prosperity and peaceful development. The initiative offers a compelling model for nations seeking collaborative growth and underscores China’s vision for a more interconnected and harmonious world.
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BRI's 10th anniversary: Chinese model for promoting common prosperity
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