China Charts Course for High-Quality Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation

President Xi Outlines Vision for BRI’s Next Chapter

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping called for comprehensively advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This,

he stated at the fourth symposium on BRI construction

work.

“It is imperative to strengthen strategic confidence, maintain strategic focus

and act courageously with a sense of responsibility to create a brighter future for BRI

cooperation,” declared President Xi.

Since the initiative’s launch in 2013, remarkable progress has been made in BRI cooperation,

contributing significantly to positive relations between China and participating countries while bolstering their economic and social development.

“

However, acknowledging the current turbulent global landscape, President Xi emphasized the need to effectively manage various risks and challenges, particularly

the impact of geopolitical conflicts while advancing high-quality BRI cooperation. He highlighted a balanced approach, stating the importance of balancing the benefits for both

China and participating countries, calling for concrete measures to safeguard

China’s global interests .

Currently,

China has partnered with over 150 countries and over 30 international organizations

under

the BRI umbrella. According to data

from the Ministry of Commerce, by the end of 2023, Chinese companies had established

17,000 overseas enterprises in participating countries.

What’s more, the initiative

has generated

over

$330

billion in direct investment and created over 530,000 local jobs.

At the symposium, Xi Jinping emphasized the need to improve the planning, coordination, and management

mechanisms to ensure the initiative’s success. He underscored the committment to high-quality

Eliminar

BRI quantum leap

How have ‌Western countries⁢ typically responded to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and how might​ this new⁤ vision impact that response?

## China Doubles Down on⁤ BRI: A Conversation on High-Quality‍ Cooperation

**Anchor:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on international development and China’s Belt and Road⁣ Initiative.⁤ Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.

**Dr. ​ [Guest Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.

**Anchor:** President Xi Jinping recently outlined a new vision for ‌ the Belt and Road Initiative,⁣ emphasizing⁢ “high-quality” cooperation. What does this mean in practise, and what are ⁤some of the key takeaways from his address?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** This latest announcement signals a clear shift in China’s ⁣approach to the BRI. ⁤ We saw the initial‍ launch in 2013 with a focus on grand infrastructure projects. However, ⁤President Xi’s recent speech highlights a move towards more sustainable and inclusive development.

**Anchor:** Can you elaborate on that? What specific changes are we likely to see?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** We’re talking about⁤ a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, debt sustainability, and ⁤local community involvement. For example, there’s a push for green infrastructure projects ⁤and a focus on using local labor and materials wherever possible. This suggests a recognition of some of the criticisms leveled at the BRI in its earlier stages, such ‍as environmental concerns and the accumulation of debt in participating countries. [[1](https://www.csis.org/analysis/enabling-better-offer-how-does-west-counter-belt-and-road)]

**Anchor:** It’s interesting that you mention the “criticisms.” How do you think‍ other countries, ‌particularly in the West, ⁤will respond to‌ this new vision for the BRI?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It remains to be seen. Some Western powers have expressed concerns about the BRI’s potential to create geopolitical leverage for China. This new ​emphasis on “high-quality” cooperation may help address those concerns to some extent, but it’s likely that‍ skepticism will persist.

**Anchor:** ⁤ Do you think this shift ‌signals a more cooperative approach from China on the global stage?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** ⁤It’s certainly⁣ a step in ‍that direction. However, it’s important to remember that the BRI is a complex ⁣and multifaceted initiative. This shift towards​ “quality” may not​ be⁢ universally embraced, and there are bound to be ongoing challenges and debates.

**Anchor:** Thank you for offering your valuable insights, Dr. [Guest Name]. This is a crucial development to watch, and we ⁣will continue to follow the progress⁣ of ⁤the BRI closely.