Improved infrastructure redefining growth, says scholar
Chinese affairs scholar Zheng Yongnian shed light on the transformative impact of the Chinaled Belt and Road Initiative on global development. Launched a decade ago, the BRI has evolved from a concept into a sprawling network of infrastructure projects spanning continents, seeking to redefine development paradigms across the developing world.
Zheng characterized the BRI as a departure from notions of imperialism, emphasizing China’s commitment to fostering development through infrastructure. Unlike historical endeavors aimed at exerting geopolitical dominance, China’s approach, according to Zheng, is predicated on mutual growth and sustainability. This ethos is encapsulated in the construction of schools, hospitals and highways across BRI countries, highlighting a development model that prioritizes local needs over geopolitical ambitions.
Despite the initiative’s successes, Zheng acknowledged the challenges it faces particularly in financing such ambitious projects. He suggested that the next phase of the BRI will involve greater inclusivity, with a more significant role for the private sector and international partners, enhancing its sustainability and impact.
Addressing criticisms of the BRI, notably from Western countries, Zheng argued that such criticisms often stem from geopolitical concerns rather than the initiative’s merits. He contrasted the tangible outcomes of China’s investments with the unfulfilled promises of Western initiatives, asserting that local stakeholders’ approval is the ultimate measure of the BRI’s success.
Zheng’s insights extended beyond the BRI, touching on broader themes of global order and China’s role on the world stage. He advocated for an inclusive multilateralism, contrasting it with what he perceived as the exclusive approaches of other global powers. This philosophy, he believed, not only underpins the BRI but also guides China’s broader engagement with the world, promoting peace and development over confrontation.
In terms of China-US relations, Zheng expressed optimism for future engagement, stressing the importance of patience and strategic dialogue. He underscored the need for China to adhere to its principles of peaceful development and inclusivity, despite the fluctuating dynamics of international politics.