On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an eight-point plan to support the Belt and Road Initiative.[1] Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Xi reiterated his country’s commitment to building a multilateral Belt and Road connectivity network. This statement can be interpreted as the goal of building a comprehensive infrastructure network that aims to connect geographically diverse regions.
First, Xi pledged to accelerate the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express and announced that they aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this rail transportation. China plans to strengthen logistics links between Europe and China and will join the Caspian Sea international transportation corridor.[2] In this case, China aims to be located in a geopolitically critical regional corridor of maritime transportation and to create more trade and cooperation opportunities using this route. Continuing his remarks, Xi said:[3]
“Under the ‘Silk Road Maritime’, we will effectively integrate ports, maritime transportation and trade services into the Belt and Road. We will also accelerate the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road.”
In support of the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a new 8-point action plan. This 8-point action plan appears to be closely linked to the goals of “high-quality” growth. The points in this action plan are as follows:[4]
1. Construction of a logistics corridor through Europe and Asia
2. More free trade agreements and investment agreements with the “Silk Road e-commerce zone”
3. 47.8 billion dollar financing commitment from Chinese development banks
4. Promoting green development
5. Commitments in the areas of scientific development and artificial intelligence
6. More cultural and people-to-people contacts and exchanges, including tourism alliance
7. Increased transparency through more “clean collaboration”
8. Establish the Belt and Road Initiative institutions, including the Secretariat.
This action plan clearly sets out China’s goals and commitments under the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s commitment to build logistics corridors reflects its aim to connect geographically remote regions. This aims to stimulate economic growth by improving trade and transportation facilitation.
This action plan clearly sets out China’s goals and commitments under the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s commitment to build logistics corridors reflects its aim to connect geographically remote regions. This aims to stimulate economic growth by improving trade and transportation facilitation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that his country will further deepen cooperation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and green transportation, and increase its support for the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition. He added that China will implement the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road and provide 100,000 training opportunities for partner countries by 2030 [5]
The Belt and Road Initiative stands for the environmental friendliness of infrastructure projects, the use of green energy sources and the promotion of sustainable transportation. Globally, the Green Development Coalition will contribute to the adoption of green practices in these areas, reducing environmental impacts and increasing energy efficiency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks clearly set out eight important steps to promote high-quality cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative. It should be emphasized that these steps cover various aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative, such as connecting geographical regions, environmental sustainability, green development, scientific innovation, cultural exchange, transparency and institutional capacity.
As a result, China’s commitments to the goals of “global co-growth” reflect the promotion of cooperation and regional integration. In line with these developments, the Belt and Road Initiative aims not only at economic growth, but also at improving the well-being of individuals and countries. Xi’s statements emphasize the importance of sustainability, green development, innovation and multilateral cooperation for long-term success.
[1] “President Xi Announces 8 Major Steps To Support BRI Cooperation”, Khmer Times, https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501378623/president-xi-announces-8-major-steps-to-support-bri-cooperation/, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.10.2023).
[2] Same page.
[3] Aynı yer.
[4] “As It Happened: Xi Jinping Unveiled New Action Plan For Belt And Road Initiative, Vladimir Putin Gave First International Address Since Ukraine War”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3238307/xi-jinping-deliver-keynote-speech-chinas-belt-and-road-forum, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.10.2023).
[5] “(BRF2023) China To Promote Green Development To Support High-Quality Belt And Road Cooperation: Xi”, Xinhua News, https://english.news.cn/20231018/dd18a4374cfb46cbb4e50ebdad9f19fd/c.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.10.2023).
