China’s foreign minister Wang Yi addressed a press conference on the outcome of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last week. PHOTO SUPPLIED
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has reiterated that a number of ASEAN members of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have benefited from development projects under the policy, and that the Chinese government will continue to support them, no matter the circumstances.
Addressing a press conference held to discuss the outcome of the recent Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held in the Chinese capital Beijing, Wang recounted that the policy has been implemented for a decade.
“The BRI has made significant contributions to the development of all sectors in all member countries, including those of ASEAN, Africa and Latin America. There are a total of about 140 member countries,” he said.
He added that through the BRI policy, member countries have welcomed projects as diverse as infrastructure – from bridges, expressways, airports, stadiums to high-speed railways – to cooperation in exporting and importing their products. The policy has helped to drive development, especially in developing countries.
“Some people have criticised this policy, but for the last 10 years, who else has helped to build highways, airports, high-speed railways and stadiums in developing countries, especially in ASEAN? These people may offer criticism, but we have a very good track record at stimulating the economies of our partner countries,” said Wang.
“Some people may be critical because they are concerned that the BRI competes with them for influence, or that we are moving too fast in building a common development community. However, they can only offer negative comments. Our only goal is the development of a community of common destiny,” he added.
According to the top Chinese diplomat, the BRI has benefited millions of people. The benefits flow from people to people, and from one country to another, so they grow and develop together.
He said China remains committed to continuing to work with all member countries to strengthen cooperation and build economic momentum.
“This policy is not just about building economies. We are putting challenges on the table, and looking for common solutions, without abandoning any country. We want development, but not confrontation or fighting against each other. This is not our vision. We want to help the world 'win-win' together,” he said.
Wang added that the Chinese government, under the BRI policy, will continue building a community of common destiny and promoting the development of member countries under any circumstances, noting that the BRI welcomes all countries wishing to become members, regardless of their political affiliation.
Speaking at the 3rd BRI forum in Beijing, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his pride and pleasure at being present at the event.
He explained that the BRI is a very important policy which promotes development, while noting its significant contribution to the development of Cambodia’s infrastructure and national economic growth.
Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, said that in the past few years, the BRI policy has contributed to building a common future, which he said serves as an important catalyst and contributes to the development of infrastructure in Cambodia, as well as many other developing nations.
“Cambodia has benefited significantly from the Chinese government's BRI policy. This can be seen by such projects as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, port developments and special economic zones [SEZs], as well as exports and imports of our products into Chinese markets. All of these things were derived from this initiative,” he added.
