Xi Jinping's BRI speech draws praise for strategic vision

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Monday attended the fourth symposium on Belt and Road construction work in Beijing and delivered an important speech. He stressed that promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has both opportunities and challenges in the face of grave and complicated international situation, but overall, opportunities outweigh challenges. He urged efforts 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.

Over the past 11 years, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has achieved remarkable milestones, contributing significantly to global governance reform and socio-economic development, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said. It has emerged as the world's largest and most comprehensive international economic cooperation platform, steadily increasing its global influence, appeal and cohesion, Zheng added.

President Xi has underscored the BRI's substantial achievements as highlighted in recent discussions. He emphasized that while the international landscape remains complex, opportunities outweigh challenges, requiring steadfast strategic focus to deepen and solidify the BRI's progress, according to Xing Guangcheng, director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu described the BRI as a vital platform for building a global community with a shared future. He noted the BRI's role as a driving force behind advancing Chinese modernization and a cornerstone of China's distinctive approach to major-country diplomacy.

(With input from Xinhua)