Chinese wisdom shines over decade of BRI: diplomats, experts

BEIJING -- A book of Chinese President Xi Jinping's discourses on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought about energetic discussions on the Chinese wisdom in addressing global development challenges.

Guests at a Monday launch ceremony for further editions of the book in five languages shared their views on the publication.

MUTUAL LEARNING AMONG CIVILIZATIONS

The BRI is the main global platform of cooperation among different civilizations and an international public good, said Marco V. Balarezo, Peruvian ambassador to China.

His view was shared by Syrian ambassador to China Mhd Hasanein Khaddam, who noted that the initiative bridges the huge technology knowledge gap between various countries.

Muhammad Asif Noor, director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in Islamabad, said that the BRI is a testament to the creative development that breathes life into the spirit of the ancient silk routes, which are two of the greatest achievements in human history and in the history of civilization.

Carrying forward the legacy of the ancient Silk Road, which is consistent with the ideal of "all states joining together in harmony and peace" long upheld by the Chinese nation, the BRI holds that exchanges and mutual learning make civilizations richer, and it expands the room for development through openness and cooperation.

Noor said the BRI is more than just an economic project. It represents a deep vision for a world that is more connected, prosperous and peaceful.

"President Xi's vision serves as a guiding light, encouraging countries to come together, share in mutual prosperity and work towards a future built on Eastern wisdom and international unity," he said.

CONNECTIVITY FOR PROSPERITY

David Ferguson, honorary chief English editor of the Foreign Languages Press in Beijing, said the BRI's prioritizing of infrastructure connectivity is vital, as he holds that the first key to opening the door to prosperity is infrastructure -- once fundamental conditions, including long-term stability and order, are met.

"In a national or even a global arena, if you can create the conditions that enable the rapid and efficient movement of people, products and information, then you have given villages, towns, cities -- even whole countries -- that first key to opening the door from poverty to prosperity," Ferguson said.

Thanks to the BRI, a connectivity framework of "six corridors, six connectivity routes, and multiple countries and ports" has been formed, injecting new momentum into global economic growth.

The World Bank has projected that BRI transport projects will boost the trade of partner countries by 2.8 to 9.7 percent by 2030. And BRI partner countries will see FDI growth of 4.97 percent and GDP growth of 1.2 to 3.4 percent. On a global level, BRI transport projects are expected to lift trade by 1.7 to 6.2 percent and GDP by 0.7 to 2.9 percent.

"Want to be rich? Build roads first!" The wisdom of this popular Chinese saying is well-reflected in the BRI.

A SHARED FUTURE

The ultimate goal of the BRI is to help build a global community of shared future -- another concept introduced by Xi in 2013. It aligns deeply with the over 2,000-year-old Chinese aspiration for an ideal society where "the common good is pursued for all."

Jasem Ibrahem Al-Najem, Kuwaiti ambassador to China, said the BRI aims to help more countries achieve peace and development.

Former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf described the BRI as a historic initiative proposed to combat unilateralism and hegemonism, stressing that it provides a platform for global cooperation and a new path for human development.

Within the framework of building a global community of shared future, the BRI brings all nations together to work for the well-being, peace and security of all humans, Sharaf said.

His view was echoed by Khaddam. The initiative provides a clear and secure path toward a shared future for humanity, far from selfishness and self-destructive competitiveness, Khaddam said.

Noor said the BRI "blends the enduring spirit of our ancestors with the zeitgeist and culture of the present, providing a platform for building a global community with a shared future."

The views don't necessarily reflect those of Qiushi Journal.