China's vision for a shared future and a better world

In late February, Bolivia's first modern integrated steel plant began production. With an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes, the plant is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive the development of surrounding steel product processing industries.

Marking a major milestone in Bolivia's industrialization, the project also showcases the achievements of China-Bolivia capacity cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"The BRI provides a new solution for global development," said Bolivian Ambassador to China Hugo Siles, adding that the initiative has improved connectivity and supported development in the Global South.

An increasing number of countries are actively contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity. More than 100 countries support the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, while over three-quarters of the world's nations have joined the Belt and Road cooperation.

Since its introduction in 2013, the concept of a shared future for humanity has evolved from an idea into a structured framework, from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus, and from a vision to tangible outcomes, demonstrating strong vitality. 

Launched in 2013, the BRI seeks to strengthen global connectivity and cooperation through infrastructure development, trade and investment.

Through projects such as roads, ports and digital networks, Belt and Road cooperation has strengthened regional and global trade links, facilitating the free flow of goods, services and capital.

Flagship BRI projects – including the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor – have been key drivers of trade and economic growth both regionally and globally. 

In Cambodia, major BRI projects completed in recent years have reshaped the country's economic landscape.

The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, for example, has improved transportation efficiency, cutting travel times and enhancing trade routes. The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport supports tourism and logistics under Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy.

The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone showcases how the BRI has driven industrialization in Cambodia. With nearly 200 enterprises and over 30,000 jobs created, it has made a significant contribution to the country's economic growth.

"The BRI has truly changed the lives and destinies of many people around the world, and Cambodia is one of the countries that has greatly benefited from this initiative," said Ly Thuch, a Cambodian senior minister in charge of special missions.

Over the past year, China has repeatedly called for innovation-driven development, improved global governance, strengthened international cooperation and shared prosperity, emphasizing its commitment to global progress.

At the start of 2025, the first policy dialogue between the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and the United Nations was held. Representatives from more than 40 countries and nearly 20 UN agencies praised China's leadership in international development cooperation.

Committed to win-win cooperation, China continues to provide opportunities for Global South countries, injecting vitality into economic globalization and expanding development space.

At the G20 Summit last November, China announced its decision to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative aimed at mobilizing resources and knowledge to implement effective public policies and social technologies to combat hunger and poverty worldwide.

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China pledged to work with African countries to implement 10 partnership action plans over the next three years to support modernization. These action plans will cover mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, green development and common security.

Amid rising protectionism, China has consistently upheld the principle of win-win cooperation, promoted global collaboration, and continued to advocate for an open world economic system, said Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.