中文
By Einar Tangen
In his address at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a vision for a world where global harmony comes from recognizing and accepting differences in governance, language, and culture. Yet, he emphasized a shared aspiration for development, security, and respect.
Xi announced allocation of over $100 billion through the China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Silk Road Fund to support the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects on the basis of market and business operation.
In contrast, U.S. President Joe Biden has proposed allocating almost $106 billion toward ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and operations on the southern U.S. border.
The attendance at the third BRF by representatives from 151 countries — accounting for three-fourths of the world — and 41 international organizations highlights where the majority of global interests lie.
By comparison, Biden's request for $106 billion was directed for the so-called "security" of the American people, of whom 61% are living paycheck to paycheck.
This request seems puzzling given the current state of the U.S. legislative system, rendered nearly nonfunctional by the absence of a House speaker. Major challenges, like the potential government shutdown looming on Nov. 17, threaten significant economic and credit repercussions.
So, given what the U.S. is offering, it's worth examining what China has done and proposed.
A white paper titled "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future" released recently by China's State Council Information Office highlights the significance of China's decade-long endeavor, showcasing how a multipolar world can function harmoniously.
"China stands ready to work with other countries to pursue closer and more fruitful cooperation under the BRI framework, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. Our goals are to pass on the torch of peace from generation to generation, sustain development, ensure that civilizations flourish, and build a global community of shared future," the white paper states.
The "global community of shared future" concept underscores the importance of harmony over uniformity.
The underlying principle, applied both domestically and internationally, is consistent: Despite the diversity of individuals and nations, there are shared aspirations for opportunity, security, and self-determination. Central to this perspective is the understanding and respect for differences. This sentiment resonates with the spirit of the Treaty of Westphalia, which emphasized not the adoption of others' values but mutual respect.
In a world where global leaders frequently talk about the future, China has mobilized nearly $1 trillion of investment in the past decade to illustrate how that future can be realized.
The World Bank estimates that by 2030, the BRI will generate $1.6 trillion in annual global revenue, representing 1.3% of the world's GDP. From 2015 to 2030, the BRI is projected to elevate over 40 million people from poverty. By 2022, more than 3,000 projects had been implemented in BRI partner countries, creating 421,000 local jobs.
According to the World Bank, the BRI has boosted the trade of participating countries by 4.1%, drawn 5% more foreign investment, and raised the GDP of low-income countries by 3.4%.
By mid-2023, China had signed over 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. As of August 2023, more than 80 countries and international organizations had committed to the Initiative on Promoting Unimpeded Trade Cooperation Along the Belt and Road, as introduced by China.
In this endeavor, China has signed 21 free trade agreements with 28 countries and regions, and helped establish six economic corridors, considerably improving access for landlocked nations such as Laos, Nepal, and Kazakhstan.
The China-Europe Railway Express offers a quicker alternative to maritime transport, strengthening trade links and ensuring the resilience of global supply chains.
Institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Silk Road Fund, and the New Development Bank have been established to address infrastructure funding gaps, extending an essential lifeline to developing countries that previously lacked access to funds.
Bilateral communication and collaboration in sectors like education, culture, and tourism have increased based on the recognition that people-to-people exchanges and a deep understanding between nations are vital for a harmonious multipolar world.
The BRI, over time, has become a catalyst for refining global development and governance. In the face of economic downturns, unilateralism, protectionism, and regional disputes, the BRI has served as a tangible framework, addressing issues through infrastructure and economic connectivity.
A decade after the BRI's launch, the benefits it has brought to the world are clear. But the journey wasn't without challenges. While the BRI's potential is best realized when its parts work in harmony, there have been inevitable teething problems with its integration.
Some critics, often for political reasons, question the BRI's effectiveness. Yet, these detractors have not offered feasible alternatives.
Every innovative idea faces skepticism. Perhaps it's time for the naysayers to reassess the tangible strides the BRI has taken and recognize its role as a constructive force in shaping a more harmonious and emerging multipolar world.
Einar Tangen is a senior fellow at Taihe Institute and the chairman of the Asia Narratives Channel.
