China.org.cn | October 16, 2023
Speakers:
Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission
Ms. Guo Tingting, vice minister of commerce
Mr. Li Kexin, director general of the Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chairperson:
Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Oct. 10, 2023
Chen Wenjun:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference. Today, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) has organized this press conference to release a white paper titled "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future."
In line with the guiding principles of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the white paper systematically lays out the historic origin, concepts and vision, realistic pathways, practical achievements and global significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It also comprehensively introduces the fruitful outcomes of BRI cooperation since its inception 10 years ago, and sets forth China's determination and actions to promote high-quality BRI collaboration and jointly build a global community of shared future.
The white paper is around 28,000 Chinese characters long. Its main body consists of five sections: "Proposed by China but Belonging to the Whole World," "Paving the Way Towards Shared Development and Prosperity," "Promoting All-Round Connectivity in Multiple Fields," "Injecting Positive Energy into World Peace and Development" and "Pursuing Steady and Sustained Progress in High-Quality BRI Cooperation."
The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and Foreign Languages Press. It is available at Xinhua Bookstores across the country.
To help you better understand the document, we have invited Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC); Ms. Guo Tingting, vice minister of commerce; and Mr. Li Kexin, director general of the Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to attend today's press conference. They will brief you on and interpret related contents of the white paper, and then take your questions.
Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Cong for his introduction.
Cong Liang:
Friends from the media, good afternoon. I'm very glad to join my colleagues from sister departments at today's press conference, as we release and interpret the white paper titled "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future."
The white paper systematically lays out the principles, concepts, objectives and practices over the past decade of BRI cooperation. It exemplifies the thorough implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Xi Jinping Thought on Economy, and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. I hope the release of the document will help people from all walks of life and the international community to understand BRI collaboration in a deeper and more comprehensive manner.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of BRI cooperation. In 2013, President Xi Jinping creatively proposed jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road based on his acute insights into the unprecedented global changes unseen in a century. BRI collaboration is rooted in history, responsive to reality and oriented towards the future. Promoting the BRI is not a solo endeavor by China, but a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders. The initiative has provided a critical platform for building a global community of shared future.
Over the past decade, under President Xi Jinping's personal planning, deployments and advancement, joint construction of the BRI has consistently adhered to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and upheld concepts of open, green and clean cooperation. In line with the initiative's objectives of high standards, sustainability and better lives, solid historic results have been achieved. These outcomes can be summarized in the following four respects:
In terms of "hard connectivity" in infrastructure, a number of signature projects including the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Hungary-Serbia Railway and Piraeus Port have been built and put into operation. The China-Europe Railway Express service has provided a new Eurasian land transport route. The Silk Road Maritime Network has extended across the globe. A connectivity framework comprising "six corridors, six routes, and multiple countries and ports" has taken shape.
In terms of "soft connectivity," we have deepened cooperation with other BRI partner countries on establishing rules and standards. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has come into effect among its 15 participating countries. China has signed 21 free trade agreements with 28 countries and regions, 107 standardization cooperation agreements with standardization bodies and international organizations in 65 countries, and conventions for the avoidance of double taxation (including arrangements and agreements) with 112 countries and regions.
In terms of "people-to-people connectivity," we have deepened cooperation in education, culture, sport, tourism, and archaeology with participating countries. We have signed agreements with 45 BRI partner countries and regions on the mutual recognition of higher education degrees and cultural and tourism cooperation documents with 144 BRI partner countries. We have carried out a series of "small but beautiful" brand activities, such as the establishment of the Chinese Government Scholarship - Silk Road Program, Luban Workshops, the Brightness Journey program, and the Juncao program.
In terms of trade and investment, we have collaborated with other BRI partner countries to foster a mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership. The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) was successfully convened. We have advocated the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund, creating a long-term, stable, sustainable, and risk-controlled investment and financing system. From 2013 to 2022, the cumulative value of imports and exports between China and BRI partner countries reached $19.1 trillion, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The cumulative two-way investment between China and other BRI partner countries reached $380 billion, including $240 billion from China.
In the past decade, the BRI has transitioned from concept to action and from vision to reality. It has led to the creation of a new form of global connectivity, pioneered a new path towards development and prosperity for all, and explored new methods for the reform of a global governance system. The BRI has facilitated the smooth flow of goods, fostered political stability and social harmony, achieved mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, and promoted development for all. It has become a popular international public goods and international cooperation platform. More than 150 countries and 30 international organizations joined the BRI family, increasing the sense of gains and happiness among the people in the BRI partner countries. It is a remarkable innovation that benefits all of humanity.
Looking ahead, the future of BRI cooperation holds great promise. China remains committed to working with other BRI partner countries to forge stronger partnerships in health, connectivity, green development, opening up, innovation, and clean government. Together, we will promote high-quality BRI cooperation in a sound and sustained manner, gathering stronger momentum and vitality to accelerate the building of a global community of shared future.
That concludes my introduction. Next, my colleagues and I will answer your questions. Thank you!
Chen Wenjun:
Thank you, Mr. Cong. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you represent before asking your questions.
