China Pushes Ahead with Belt and Road After a Decade, Emphasizing Quality
Beijing – Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out his vision for the next chapter of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), urging for a focus on high-quality projects and a commitment to navigating global challenges. Speaking at the fourth symposium on BRI construction work in Beijing, Xi acknowledged the initiative’s achievements since its launch in 2013, highlighting its contributions to friendship and economic development in participating countries.
"Since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forth in 2013, Outlet the Belt and Road cooperation, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and with the joint efforts of all parties, has consistently embraced the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit,” Xi said. “It has stayed committed to the principle of ‘planning together, building together, and benefiting together.’"
However, he stressed the need for a "new stage of high-quality development" due to current global turbulence. Xi pointed to rising unilateralism, protectionism, and geopolitical conflicts as challenges to navigate. “To advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, it is imperative to appropriately manage all types of risks and challenges, effectively address the impact of geopolitical conflicts, properly handle the relationship between strengthening the sense of fulfillment among participating countries and ensuring the benefits for China, and effectively safeguard the security of China’s overseas interests," he emphasized.
Xi outlined a multi-pronged approach for the BRI’s future:
- Strengthening Cooperation: This includes more "hard connectivity" through infrastructure, "soft connectivity" through rules and standards, and "heart connectivity" between people.
- Balancing Safety and Growth: Balancing high-quality development with enhanced security and ensuring a blend of government guidance and market forces.
- Focusing on Sustainability: Pushing for projects that are not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial.
Xi’s vision resonated with Ding Xuexiang, a vice premier of China, who emphasized the significance of Xi’s speech for guiding the next decade of BRI development. "Xi’s important speech is profound in vision, deep in thought, incisive in argumentation, and rich in content, providing important guidance and charting the course forward for promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the next golden decade,” Ding said.
The symposium, attended by leading officials from various Chinese provinces, departments, and international organizations active in the BRI, reflects the scope and ambition of China’s grand project.
The BRI, often viewed as a centerpiece of China’s global ambitions, continues to spark both excitement and scrutiny. As Xi pushes forward with the high-quality emphasis, the world will be closely watching how this next phase of the initiative unfolds.