Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum Opening Ceremony
The third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum was officially opened on October 18th under the guidance of China's President Xi Jinping. In his keynote speech, President Xi emphasized the importance of win-win cooperation and mutual respect among countries. He expressed that understanding each other as friends and partners, supporting and achieving each other, will leave a sweet aftertaste and help everyone develop faster.
18 October 2023
The forum is an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes and opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade. Despite facing various global risks and challenges, President Xi believes that cooperation is the key to creating a prosperous future for our descendants. He further highlighted that viewing the development of others as a threat or economic interdependence as risk will not benefit anyone in the long run.
President Xi Jinping's speech was widely covered by various media outlets in China, with reports from Sichuan Television, Liaoning Youth League, and People's Daily among others. During the opening ceremony, President Xi shook hands with foreign leaders one by one, which received a long and warm round of applause from the audience.
In addition to this, eight high-quality initiatives were announced for jointly building the Belt and Road. The focus on inclusive and shared development is an essential aspect of these initiatives, as China seeks to promote cooperation among countries while respecting their unique contributions to global prosperity.
However, not all netizens on Weibo reacted positively to the news. Some expressed concerns that China's ambitious plans may lead to dominance and unequal distribution of benefits. Others criticized for the lack of transparency in the decision-making processes surrounding these initiatives. Despite these concerns, President Xi Jinping's emphasis on mutual respect and cooperation remains a positive note amidst potential global challenges.
In Hong Kong, the high-profile delegation led by Chief Executive of the HKSAR, @Lee Codie Chau, actively participated in the forum, highlighting the involvement of the special administrative region in China's international cooperation efforts. This participation underscores the importance of regional collaboration towards achieving shared development goals under the Belt and Road Initiative.
In conclusion, the third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum marks a significant milestone for China as it continues to lead global cooperation efforts in the face of various challenges. Despite concerns and criticisms from some quarters, President Xi Jinping's vision of win-win cooperation remains an essential aspect of China's international relations. As the world moves towards a more interconnected future, events like these highlight the potential for shared development and prosperity if nations work together with mutual respect and understanding.