BRI calls for actions, not skepticism

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Europe

03:53

A healthy dose of skepticism is always important. However, the capacity of commitment is definitely the key to make any vision come true. That is also true for the Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the BRI.

Since 2013, the development strategy focusing on cross-border connectivity and cooperation has battled waves of doubt and skepticism about China's ambitions and motives.

Is it new colonialism? Is there money for it? Is it sustainable? Is it environmentally friendly?

Now, all of those questions are important for clarity to prevail. However, I would argue one could only stay stuck if they were so overwhelmed with questions that they forget about preparation, action and progress. Therefore, asking those questions alone does not help much.

What is needed is to proactively take advantage of the BRI, which has been welcomed by governments around the world, and solve some of the biggest problems we face today.

For example, when the vision of globalization is being threatened by unilateralism, what should we do? Well, the BRI, which places emphasis on connectivity and cooperation regionally and globally, could be a cause to renew enthusiasm about globalization while trying to deal with some of its most difficult side effects: How to make sure everybody could win.

It could be a confidence boost for globalization, an elevated version of globalization 2.0.

Of course, no one is saying the BRI will be THE solution to every problem we have these days. But it could definitely be A solution.

Secondly, the extensive scale and diversity of BRI projects have shown that the initiative is inclusive. Even though at the start of its implementation, Chinese development banks were mainly providing funds, but as time goes by, the BRI could serve as a lodestar leading major corporates, public sectors, and financial institutions into cooperation.

The oil pipeline in Myanmar and rail network in Asia, for example, are believed to be necessary and successful projects. Financial institutions and other players could, as a result, become much more active.

Thirdly, the Chinese economy is experiencing challenges of its own now. Its growth rate is slowing down in the process of looking for the best ways to go about structural reform. Its external challenges are also increasing, such as the impact of the trade conflict with the United States. At the same time, the country is looking for new ways to reform and open up.

There is no magic remedy to cure all the symptoms and deal with the root cause all at once. But as the Chinese experience suggests, only through development can new momentum and solutions emerge and spread.

The BRI could be a big possibility to bring about possible solutions, as its projects move forward. As we mentioned earlier, skepticism helps us adjust. But it is actions and real plans that get us where we really want to be.

Last but not least, when the remaining of the Chinese population comes out of poverty, an unprecedented market will be presented to the world. That has been the key to growth worldwide. When the BRI brings countries together through connectivity and cooperation, poverty will be tackled during the process, and a real world market will emerge.

That is definitely good news for everyone!

Scriptwriting: Tian Wei

Animation: Zhang Tao

Videographer: Zhou Jinxi

Video Editing: Zhao Yuxiang

Creative planning: Wang Naiqian Zhang Xin

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