The Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation Photo: Lü Jiazuo/CSST

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Although it has not been easy, its progress and results have exceeded expectations.

Firstly, the BRI is a new and advanced concept that aligns with the laws of human development. It is a long-term, comprehensive global public good that encompasses the concept and content of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the concept and practices of the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the concept and proposition of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Belt and Road cooperation is consistent with the aspirations of most countries and people worldwide for shared development opportunities and creating a better world together. It conforms to the laws of human social and economic development, and sets the new direction of human advancement. Consequently, numerous countries have responded to the BRI on a large scale, forming a broad consensus and actively participating in joint actions. This has become an irresistible and spontaneous historical trend globally.

Secondly, Belt and Road cooperation has brought about a profound transformation in the world pattern that has been dominated by the ocean formed by industrial civilizations for nearly 300 years. It has established a new paradigm where the maritime and land economies progress together, develop in tandem, and become interconnected. Currently, there are three key aspects that reflect the ongoing and emerging interconnection pattern. First, there is a spatial layout that encompasses the integrated development of land, ocean, air, internet, and ice, gradually forming the Silk Road on land, ocean, air, internet, and ice. Second, a new multidimensional pattern has emerged to drive the development of the BRI. Third, a connectivity pattern has been established, with physical connectivity as an important direction, institutional connectivity as an important support, and people-to-people connectivity as a vital foundation.

Thirdly, Belt and Road cooperation has ushered in a new form of human advancement in the 21st century and grasped the “Dao” (principles) and “Shi” (trends) of global development. Chinese civilization has continuously drawn inspiration from excellent civilizations from abroad. Throughout its long history, it has co-authored the Silk Road scroll with relevant countries. This plan is not only for China, but also for the fate and future of the world. It embodies the greatest common denominator of peaceful development and promotes the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom for all humanity. It is for these reasons that it is able to generate such tremendous resonance.

Fourthly, Belt and Road cooperation provides a bridge between an opening China and an opening world, connecting them into a cohesive whole. It promotes the formation of a central position of common development on the global stage, especially as a platform, carrier, bridge and link for developing countries worldwide. Through the comprehensive framework of global economic cooperation and collaborative connectivity, China has rapidly transformed into a forerunner, builder, and contributor with the ability to allocate resources globally, benefiting the participating countries of the BRI. To a certain extent, Belt and Road cooperation represents a new type of globalization that is inclusive rather than exclusive, promoting a rebalancing of globalization and the formation of a more open economic development zone.

Fifthly, Belt and Road cooperation is an innovative initiative that has expanded the strategic scope and depth of the country. On one hand, the external environment for China’s peaceful rise has undergone changes due to the containment of hegemonic powers. On the other hand, China’s economy is facing a critical period of transformation and upgrading, with existing challenges and new complexities. Belt and Road cooperation is just the beginning. It will require several decades of continuous efforts and the collaboration of more countries. How can we ensure the long-term success and stability of the BRI? We must continue to excel in all aspects of work. For scholars, it is particularly important to innovate and form a theoretical and discourse system that supports the development of the BRI.

Chen Wenling is a chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

Edited by ZHAO YUAN