This year marks the 10th anniversary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a transformative diplomatic and developmental endeavor launched by President Xi Jinping. In a 2013 speech in Astana, Kazakhstan, President Xi proposed reviving the ancient Silk Road—a network that, over 2,000 years ago, was among the first instances of globalization, linking China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through commerce and cultural exchange.
The BRI aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation among countries and continents, fostering economic growth and mutual understanding. On March 16 of this year, President Xi introduced the Global Civilization Initiative at the World Political Parties High-level Dialogue, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and learning among civilizations. This approach stands in contrast to notions of a “clash of civilizations” that have been prevalent in some Western discourses.
However, 2023 also marks a somber anniversary—the 20th year since the United States unilaterally launched the Iraq War in 2003. This conflict, lacking United Nations sanction, has been widely criticized as unjust and illegal, reflecting a different approach to international relations characterized by unilateralism and military intervention.
These two anniversaries highlight contrasting visions in contemporary global affairs. China advocates for connectivity, cooperation, and modernization based on inclusivity, diversity, and equality in international relations. In contrast, the West, led by the United States, appears to focus on containment, confrontation, and the militarization of international relations.
Recent developments such as the expansion of NATO’s focus beyond the North Atlantic, the formation of alliances like AUKUS (Australia, the UK, and the U.S.), and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia suggest a strategy aimed at countering China’s influence. Additionally, the recent summit at Camp David involving the U.S., the Republic of Korea, and Japan underscores efforts to build new alliances in Asia.
Amid these tensions, China continues to build bridges. A notable example is the China-brokered rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia after decades of strained relations. This diplomatic achievement has the potential to bring stability to the Middle East and demonstrates the benefits of dialogue and cooperation.
The world stands at an inflection point, facing turbulence and transformation. The contrasting visions of building bridges versus building barriers present a choice for the international community. In the post-pandemic era, global challenges such as economic recovery, climate change, and public health require collective action and a common approach.
The pursuit of a shared future—emphasizing cooperation over confrontation and mutual respect over unilateralism—resonates with many in the Global South and beyond. As nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the paths they choose will shape destinies for generations to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
