China Doubles Down on Global Infrastructure Ambitions with Focus on High-Quality Cooperation
BEIJING – President Xi Jinping delivered a powerful message on December 3rd, reiterating China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and outlining a strategic roadmap for its future development. In a symposium focusing on BRI construction, President Xi emphasized the need for “high-quality” cooperation amidst a complex global landscape. Recognizing the challenges posed by "rising unilateralism and protectionism," Xi stressed the importance of risk management and ensuring benefits for both China and participating countries.
"[The world] has entered a new period of turbulence and change in recent years, with notably rising unilateralism and protectionism and frequent outbreaks of regional conflicts and disturbances," Xi declared.
The BRI, launched in 2013, has become a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, fostering economic partnerships and infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and Europe. President Xi acknowledged the initiative’s achievements but also called for a new phase of development focused on sustainability, inclusiveness, and shared benefits. He outlined a vision for the BRI as a driver of a "human community with a shared future."
"[We must] adhere to the principle of ‘planning together, building together, and benefiting together,’ the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation, and the goal of pursuing high-standard, people-centered and sustainable cooperation," Xi stated.
To achieve this vision, Xi proposed eight key measures:
- Strengthening connectivity through infrastructure, rules, and people-to-people exchanges.
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Balancing "hard connectivity" of infrastructure with "soft connectivity" of rules and standards and "heart connectivity" between peoples.
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Prioritizing both traditional and emerging sectors for cooperation.
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Enhancing cooperation mechanisms, including those for risk management, risk prevention, and international communication.
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Promoting flagship projects along with smaller, community-focused initiatives.
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Cultivating a diversified investment and financing system.
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Strengthening mechanisms for safeguarding overseas interests.
- Sharpening international collaboration in emerging fields.
This renewed emphasis on quality comes as China faces scrutiny from some Western nations who view the BRI as a tool for geopolitical influence. However, President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to collaboration and win-win solutions.
"We must focus on strengthening the mechanisms for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and …make greater contributions to promoting the building of a human community with a shared future," Xi concluded.
The symposium, attended by leading government officials, experts, and business leaders, underscored the importance of the BRI to China’s global strategy. The event served as a platform to exchange ideas and solidify plans for its future development.
