The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China, has often been misunderstood as a potential trigger for a clash of civilizations. Some Western perspectives suggest that China’s global outreach through the BRI threatens Western interests and values. However, such views overlook the initiative’s core objective: fostering global prosperity through cooperation and cultural exchange.
Rather than imposing its culture, China aims to enhance mutual understanding among participating countries. The BRI focuses on building partnerships that lead to shared development. Projects under the BRI emphasize win-win outcomes, promoting synergy rather than competition.
A key aspect of the BRI is enhancing physical connectivity, which serves as a catalyst for cultural cooperation and exchange. The development of infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports not only facilitates trade but also enables people to connect, share ideas, and experience different cultures. As people travel across borders, they encounter diverse traditions and beliefs, leading to deeper cultural understanding.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) exemplifies how the BRI fosters mutual appreciation between nations. By constructing transportation networks, CPEC provides economic benefits while also creating avenues for people from both countries to engage with each other. These interactions encourage the sharing of cultural practices, arts, and traditions, strengthening ties and promoting harmony.
The BRI’s emphasis on connectivity and collaboration dispels the notion that it sparks a clash of civilizations. Instead, it acts as a bridge, bringing together diverse cultures and fostering a spirit of mutual respect and understanding across Asia and beyond.
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Dispelling Misconceptions: Why BRI doesn't trigger civilizations clash
cgtn.com
