This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global cooperation platform that has reshaped international development dynamics. Over the past decade, the BRI has evolved into a popular international public project, attracting participation from numerous countries seeking shared growth and modernization.
What sets the BRI apart from other initiatives is its inclusive approach to development. By focusing on infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, financial integration, and people-to-people exchanges, the BRI offers a comprehensive framework for cooperation. “The BRI provides an opportunity for countries to collaborate on equal footing, fostering mutual benefits and understanding,” noted Wang Yiwei, vice president of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China.
Participants in the BRI have witnessed significant advancements in infrastructure, increased trade volumes, and enhanced cultural ties. For instance, the construction of railways, ports, and highways has improved connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa, stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty levels. “The BRI has been instrumental in bridging gaps between continents, making globalization more inclusive,” remarked Bruno Maçães, former Portuguese minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs.
Despite its successes, the BRI has faced criticism and skepticism from some quarters. Concerns about debt sustainability and geopolitical implications have been raised, potentially hindering the willingness of some countries to participate. Addressing these criticisms, Zoon Ahmed Khan of Tsinghua University emphasized the importance of transparent dialogue: “Open communication and constructive engagement are key to dispelling misconceptions and ensuring that the BRI continues to foster equitable development.”
The Second International Forum on “Dialogue between China and the World,” chaired by Renmin University of China, brought together experts to discuss these issues. Augusto Soto, director of the “Dialogue with China” program at ESADE Business School in Spain, highlighted the BRI’s role in promoting understanding: “By facilitating dialogues among diverse cultures and economies, the BRI helps to build trust and collaborative relationships.”
Looking ahead, the Belt and Road Initiative is poised to continue shaping global development. As Prof. Adrian H. Hearn from the University of Melbourne observed, “The BRI’s emphasis on shared modernization paves the way for sustainable growth that benefits all participants.”
As the initiative enters its second decade, stakeholders remain hopeful that the BRI will further contribute to global cooperation and prosperity, charting a new path of modernization that is inclusive and beneficial to all.
Reference(s):
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