Xi stresses comprehensively advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation

China Charts a Course for High-Quality Development of Belt and Road Initiative

Beijing – In a significant address delivered on December 2nd, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need for bold, collaborative action to propel the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into a new era of high-quality development.

Speaking at a symposium focused on leveraging the BRI for future growth, President Xi emphasized the importance of navigating an increasingly turbulent global landscape. "It is imperative to strengthen strategic confidence, maintain strategic focus and act courageously with a sense of responsibility to create a brighter future for Belt and Road cooperation," Xi stated.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts and called for strategies to mitigates risks while pursuing robust BRI partnerships. Xi also stressed the need for a balanced approach, ensuring benefits for both China and participating countries.

“It is necessary to properly handle the relationship between strengthening participating countries’ sense of fulfillment and ensuring the benefits for China,” Xi said, urging concrete measures to protect Chinese interests abroad.

The President highlighted the BRI’s remarkable evolution since its inception, noting that over 150 countries and 30 international organizations have partnered with China in this ambitious undertaking. Chinese companies have already established a strong presence in BRI-participating countries, with over 17,000 overseas enterprises and a direct investment exceeding $330 billion. These collaborations have created an estimated 530,000 jobs, demonstrating the tangible impact of the initiative.

Xi’s vision for the next phase of the BRI centers around a “planning together, building together, and benefiting together” philosophy. He called for open, green and clean cooperation focused on sustainable, high-standard projects that create tangible benefits for everyone involved.

In his address, Xi identified key areas for future development:

• Strengthening Connectivity: Prioritizing infrastructure projects that connect nations and facilitate trade and cultural exchange.
• Enhancing Resilience: Developing strategies to manage risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty and economic fluctuations.

• Improving Mechanisms: Streamlining planning, coordination, and management to ensure efficient and effective execution of BRI projects.

  

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a symposium on the Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing, Dec. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]