China says it welcomes any country that wishes to contribute to infrastructure construction. The foreign ministry said this in response to a question regarding a proposed infrastructure scheme by Australia, the United States, India and Japan as an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative.

GENG SHUANG SPOKESPERSON, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "Representatives from 140 countries attended the Belt and Road Forum last May in Beijing. I think it is a vote of confidence from the international community for the Initiative. We stressed many times that the Initiative is open and inclusive, and all countries of mutual interests and goals are welcome, of course on a voluntary principle. Infrastructure construction is an important driver of economic development. China welcomes any country that increases input on infrastructure construction, and hopes each party will promote international cooperation based on openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit."