B&R new model of win-win, not outdated geopolitical maneuvering

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes a toast during the welcoming banquet for the Belt and Road Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China May 14, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

BEIJING -- Pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative denies outdated geopolitical maneuvering, targeting a new model of win-win cooperation in international relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday that in pursuing the initiative, China has no intention of forming a small group detrimental to stability.

Rather, the pursuit aims to create a big family of harmonious co-existence, Xi stressed in his keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

These statements underline the essence of China's proposal to enrich current conventions of international relations, which has taken shape since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in late 2012.

The proposal, a Chinese approach to build a community of shared future for mankind, upholds such principles as peace, openness and prosperity, innovation and connecting different civilizations, transcending zero-sum mindsets.

Calling for the forging partnerships of dialogue without confrontation and of friendship rather than alliance, they also seek to avoid a Cold War mentality and "Thucydides Trap" -- the notion of an established power becoming so anxious about the rise of a new power that a struggle leading to war becomes inevitable.

Originating from careful meditation of the current world, which is growing increasingly multi-polar, economically globalized, digitized and culturally diversified, they offer a solution to many of the world's pressing challenges, including sluggish economic recovery and a degree of backsliding on globalization.

The proposals have generated favorable reviews, as seen by the popularity of the initiative, which has won support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, of which over 40 have signed cooperation agreements with China on the initiative.

Moreover, the United Nations, APEC and the Asia-Europe Meeting have all incorporated or reflected Belt and Road cooperation in resolutions and documents.
Looking back, China has staged impressive economic and social development over the past four decades. By proposing the initiative with principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China identifies the key to solving problems plaguing stability in a nation and international relations: development.

Building on the spirit of peace and cooperation embodied by the ancient silk routes, China is willing to share its development practices and contribute more to global development.