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Photo: Grigoriy Sisoev, RIA Novosti
Interestingly Russia is not celebrating its worldwide development achievements, but instead lavished praises on the People’s Republic of China. Russia shares common agenda on most regional and global issues with China. Both are staunch members of organizations such BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the United Nations Security Council. But the startling difference is that China has, over the years, indiscriminately, consistently and strategically set its steadfast footprints in multiple spheres across the world.
Russia certainly has to borrow a few pages from China’s playbook, especially its policy approach which places an assertive emphasis, even amid current geopolitical tensions, on ‘cooperation’ rather than ‘confrontation’ and also China always ‘walks it talk’ with all its external partners, intensifies serious coordinated efforts in realizing all potential bilateral and multilateral goals in this changing global situation. Next, China regularly reviews its weaknesses and strengths, and adopt new measures in consolidating relations with foreign countries. Without much doubts, its success stories make China a noticeable fast-rising superpower in the emerging world.
China hosts leaders and about 30 organizations from around the world for a conference (Oct. 17-18, 2023) in Beijing to mark the 10-year anniversary of its global infrastructure-building scheme. The theme is High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) primarily seeks to link China with markets and economies across Asia, Africa and Europe.
The concept was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Today, the Belt and Road initiative is the backbone of China’s foreign economic and foreign policy. There are high expectations that the milestone Beijing conference, President Xi Jinping may pitch a much broader future vision and set fresh goals aim at expanding geopolitical influence and ambitions as an alternative global leader to the United States.
It is worth to say that China is the most dynamic Asian country with the current unprecedented remarkable development-oriented initiative (BRI) which connects nearly 150 countries. In practical terms it is a remarkable achievement, with a focus on building a unique geostrategic position in the world. It has strong basis in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Belt and Road Initiative is what makes China today, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, unique in building relations with other external countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an assessment interview with Chinese media published on the Kremlin website.
“They are not only beneficial to the countries that receive some loans under this initiative. They are also beneficial to the People’s Republic of China, because it also receives products from the implementation of these projects and gets conditions for better and greater development. All this is done on the basis of mutual benefit,” he said.
The main advantage of China’s initiative is that “everything is done within the framework of finding not only acceptable solutions, but such projects and such ways of achieving a common goal that are acceptable to all,” Putin underscored in the interview.
Putin has downplayed the idea that China, through its Belt and Road projects in Central Asia, is competing for influence in a region that Russia has long considered its backyard. Russia’s idea of the Eurasian Economic Union, including the Greater Eurasia, fully coincides with China’ Belt and Road Initiative, and that the EAEU members have already invested US$24 billion in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the amount of investments has been growing alongside the new projects, according to his explanation.
Ruby Osman, a China expert at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, said the summit would give China a chance to showcase some of the global initiatives that Xi has launched over the past two years.
In particular, she pointed to the Global Development Initiative, a US$10 billion programme started in 2021 to promote “social and economic development” and other similar schemes focused on security and civilization. “These sort of mutually reinforcing initiatives are a way for, in Beijing’s eyes, to share Chinese governance ideals, to build consensus on Chinese norms and to start exporting elements of China’s development model,” Osman said.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, a signature policy of President Xi Jinping, Chinese companies have built ports, roads, railways, power plants and other infrastructure around the world in a bid to boost trade and economic growth. But the massive Chinese development loans that funded the projects have also burdened some poorer countries with heavy debts.
At the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank’s annual meetings held during the second week of October under the theme “Global Action, Global Impact” in Marrakesh, Morocco in North Africa, the banks pledged to bolster collaboration in accelerating an appreciable poverty-free world.
In addition, issues relating to external debts involving mostly developing countries, including from Africa were reviewed. Beijing has agreed to restructure loans owed by African countries such as Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia and a few others, in what appeared to be its latest demonstration of goodwill towards developing countries. In January 2021 Botswana became the 46th African nation to sign up to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China is building relations in all spheres, and developing badly-needed infrastructure intended to highlight Africa’s connectivity in terms of the economy, trade and industrialization across the continent. Major road infrastructure projects stretch to south and north Africa, such as Mozambique’s Maputo-Katembe bridge and Algeria’s Cherchell Ring Expressway Project.
Egypt has borrowed US$1.03 billion from China to finance various infrastructure projects. Egypt is seen as a vital part of China’s One Belt One Road initiative, due to its geographical position and close diplomatic relationship. Chinese companies were contracted for the Ethiopian-Djibouti’s new railway line, stretching more than 750 kilometres, among many others.
There are more and more Chinese initiatives to the above mentioned points. At the 15th BRICS summit – a platform hosted by South Africa in August 2023 with participation of African leaders, Xi Jinping made a number of concrete proposals including (i) China will launch the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization and (ii) China will launch the Plan for Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization.
According to the Johns Hopkins China Africa Research Initiative, East African countries alone have borrowed more than US$29 billion from China for various projects. Some countries like Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda have issued warnings over the ballooning debt, following the case of the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port transfer in Sri Lanka
In the former Soviet republics, the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) are an important part of the land route of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
As of April 2019, Kazakhstan invested about US$30 billion on infrastructure development, transport and logistics assets and competence as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Due to Kazakhstan’s infrastructure modernization.
The Europe-China intercontinental highway now connects Europe and China through Russia and Kazakhstan. According to reports, Kazakhstan stands to receive a potential US$5 billion annually in transit fees from goods moving through it to other markets.
Even as Beijing may look to pitch its larger ambitions on the world stage this week, many delegations attending this week’s event will be more interested in enhancing their economic partnerships with the world’s second largest economy and getting a sense for how China will direct funding into the Belt and Road Initiative in the subsequent years.
The next stage of BRI will continue to create “high-quality” projects that can “better benefit people in partner countries,” Cong Liang, a top official with China’s National Development and Reform Commission, said at a press conference last week.
The shift will likely also mean a decrease in funding for big-ticket infrastructure projects, which have already been on the decline in recent years, experts say. “This also reflects the reality that the Chinese economy is slowing down – China doesn’t have as many resources to squander along BRI as it did during the first decade,” said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.
Reports say more than 13,000-word policy document was released last month ahead of the conference, Beijing laid out the broad strokes of its international vision, warning the world “is at risk of plunging into confrontation and even war.” China “lights the path forward” with a plan to “promote solidarity and cooperation among all countries,” it said with limited specifics.
According to the Chinese government website, for the period from 2013 to 2022, trade turnover between China and the countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative amounted to US$19.1 trillion, with average annual growth of 6.4%. The total volume of investments exceeded US$380 billion, including China’s direct investments to participating countries to the tune of more than $240 billion.
In the first half of 2023 alone, trade turnover between China and Belt and Road countries grew by 9.8% year on year.
Despite its large population of 1.5 billion which many have considered as an impediment, China is emerging as the superpower over the United States. China has taken up both the challenges and unique opportunities to strengthen its position, especially its trade, investment and economic muscles across the world.
Along with Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, China is a member of the BRICS group of emerging major economies.
China holds 17.7% of the world’s total wealth, the second largest share held by any country. It has the world’s largest banking sector, with assets of US$40 trillion and the world’s top 4 largest banks all being in China. In 2019, China overtook the United States as the home to the highest number of rich people in the world, according to the global wealth report by Credit Suisse.
The 3rd BRI Forum: A crucial Forum at a critical time
MD Africa Editor Kester Kenn Klomegah is an independent researcher and writer on African affairs in the EurAsian region and former Soviet republics. He wrote previously for African Press Agency, African Executive and Inter Press Service. Earlier, he had worked for The Moscow Times, a reputable English newspaper. Klomegah taught part-time at the Moscow Institute of Modern Journalism. He studied international journalism and mass communication, and later spent a year at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He co-authored a book “AIDS/HIV and Men: Taking Risk or Taking Responsibility” published by the London-based Panos Institute. In 2004 and again in 2009, he won the Golden Word Prize for a series of analytical articles on Russia's economic cooperation with African countries.
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East Asia
The 3rd BRI Forum: A crucial Forum at a critical time 
Published
5 days ago
on
October 14, 2023
By
As the world eagerly awaits the commencement of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, scheduled to be held in Beijing from October 17 to 18, anticipation and enthusiasm are at an all-time high. Under the theme “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity,” this forum is poised to be a pivotal event in the realm of global diplomacy. The significance of this occasion is underscored by the presence of President Xi Jinping, who will deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.
Pakistan Prime Minister’s participation
A noteworthy highlight of the forum is the attendance of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar from Pakistan, reflecting the warm relations between China and Pakistan. Prime Minister Kakar’s participation is not merely symbolic; it signifies a deep commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The prime minister is undertaking the visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Foreign Office spokesperson said at a weekly press briefing. According to the spokeswoman, PM Kakar will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping, key Chinese officials, and other leaders present at the Belt and Road Forum. According to the foreign office, the prime minister will also meet with influential Chinese businesspeople to boost bilateral trade and investment. He will also visit Urumqi and meet with businesses and government leaders there to strengthen commercial, investment, and personal ties. The visit comes in the backdrop of the ongoing celebrations marking the ten years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative.
This gathering of minds and nations is monumental, marking the 10th anniversary of the BRI, a visionary project that has transformed the global approach to development. With representatives from 130 countries and 30 international organizations, the forum promises a diverse array of perspectives, especially from Latin America and Africa, contributing to the global tapestry of cooperation. According to the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) the BRI has so far completed over 3,000 projects in the last ten years. This expansive effort has garnered support from more than 180 countries and international organizations which is a good omen for the regional as well as international economy.
Hopefully, the next decade would also be full of economic, industrial, green energy transformation, human capital development, health, climate change and last but not the least, true reflection of multiculturalism in which Global South will achieve its desired goals of socio-economic prosperity and sustainable growth. Moreover, despite severe geopolitics of the US, EU and now India to contain China and collapse its economy have announced their own trans-regional projects namely Build Back Better World (BBBW), Global Gateway (GGW) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) but all of these projects have not yet “surfaced” and “materialized”. The most recent Israel-Hamas war would further produce strains on IMEC and BBBW.
During the forum, major accomplishments and upcoming goals of the CPEC will be highlighted. The BRI’s spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits will be reiterated, emphasizing the inclusivity and openness of this initiative. China’s commitment to supporting high-quality development in Pakistan and the tangible benefits brought by the CPEC, including substantial investments, job creation, and infrastructure development, will be reaffirmed.
According to reliable diplomatic sources, Pakistan and China are set to sign over two dozen pacts at the 3rd BRI Forum. The Chinese embassy has confirmed that the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) has proposed to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant Pakistani authorities during Caretaker Premier Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s upcoming visit to China to attend the forum. The agreements will cover eight key areas: Urban Sustainable Development, major issues of Belt and Road Cooperation, Mineral Development and Industrial Cooperation, Research on Routes for Industrial Cooperation, Expert Exchange Mechanism, Expert Communication Mechanism on Gwadar Port Development, Green and Low-carbon Development, and Digital Economy Cooperation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Mission in Beijing has shared a list of 19 MoUs which are expected to be signed/announced during the visit of Mr. Kakar. Moreover, Main Railway Line-1, Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), realignment of KKH (Thakot-Raikot) will also be discussed during the 3rd BRI forum. D I Khan- Zhob Road Project, Mirpur-Muzaffarabad-Mansehra road, Babusar tunnel and Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) will also be discussed.
China has shared a draft MoU on development of renewable energy projects in Pakistan on September 26, 2023. Pakistan is reviewing the proposal.
The Pakistani side has completed all formalities pertaining to 1320-MW Thar Block-1(Shanghai) and 300-MW coal project Gwadar, hopefully both sides will make substantive progress.
Vital Forum at a critical time
It is predicted that the genie of geopolitics would further divide the world in the future. The regional as well as global economies would be on the mercy of obsessive power politics of the US and the West. The incidents of de-coupling and de-risking would be further accelerated creating serious hurdles in global value supply chains.
The BRI, over the past decade, has become a beacon of cooperation, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering economic growth. China’s dedication to openness, inclusiveness, and equal partnerships is reflected in its collaboration with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. As the world faces challenges like geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the BRI stands tall as a testament to the power of international cooperation.
Representatives from 130 countries as well as 30 international organizations will participate in the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this month, a Chinese official said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
The forum is not only the highlight in a series of commemorative events to mark the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)’s 10th anniversary, but also an important platform for all partners to plan high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Li Kexin, director general of the Department of International Economic Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, said at a conference about the publication of a white paper on the BRI.
In its third edition, the BRF has become a crucial multilateral platform for countries and regions participating in the joint construction of the BRI to take stock on the progress and draw plans for future cooperation. The second BRF was held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s BRF carries extra significance as it also marks the 10th anniversary of the proposal of BRI.
Participation in the forum has greatly exceeded expectations, which shows that all parties have attached great importance to it; the current complex global geo-economic situation also means that the forum will draw attention from around the world, said analysts.
East Asia
Turning Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a role model for high-quality development 
Published
1 week ago
on
October 10, 2023
By
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of the most economically dynamic regions in China. As there are a big role for “the local provinces and cities, oriented towards serving the development goals mainly for the local population of the Chinese state, was transferred to their greater strategic role in regional and global affairs”. Here, Greater Bay Area make good use of its advantages to play this greater strategic role. it continue to seize the opportunity of “Belt and Road” and make greater progress in expanding high-level opening-up.
There is a Chinese central plan announced in February 2019, to develop the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) with the aim of turning it into a “role model for high-quality development”. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council published this plan.
We find that promoting the development of the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) is a major decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its heart. Because it is a “national strategy that was planned by the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party “Xi Jinping”, and he made decisions about it and developed it himself”.
Guangdong is one of the most open and economically vibrant regions in China, and the (Greater Bay Area) plays an important strategic role in the country’s overall development. The development of this region is also a new attempt to reach new ground in seeking openness on all fronts in the new era, but also as another step in moving forward towards practicing the principle of “one country, two systems”.
The development plan for Guangdong and its surroundings covers the period from 2022 and extends to 2035 in the long term. The development plan includes many comprehensive aspects, such as: achieving comprehensive development requirements, development planning, developing an international center for innovation and technology, accelerating the pace of infrastructure development, building a modern global competitive industrial system, supporting environmental preservation, and developing a good circle of life for living, working and traveling, enhancing cooperation and participation in the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and joint development of cooperation platforms for (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) to ensure the implementation of the plan and its success in the future.
The Greater Bay Area of Guangdong will become a vibrant world-class urban agglomeration, a global international hub for innovation and technology, an important pillar of support for the Belt and Road Initiative, an interface for in-depth cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, and a good life circle for living, working and traveling.
Efforts should be made to build on the four major cities of (Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) as core engines of regional development, and continue to leverage their comparative advantages in striving for excellence and achievements, while enhancing their spill-over influence in terms of leading the development of nearby regions.
The plan sets development goals and says that by 2035, the framework for transforming the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area) into a first-class international region and a world-class urban agglomeration should be fundamentally formed, with the region being highly dynamic and innovative. With perfect industrial structure, smooth flow of various factors and good ecological environment.
According to the plan, by 2035, the Greater Bay region should become an economic system and development pattern fundamentally underpinned by innovation, with significantly increased economic and technological strength, international competitiveness and influence.
At the same time, markets in the Greater Bay region need to be closely interconnected with a highly efficient and adequate flow of diverse resources and factors of production. Regional development coordination should be improved significantly while enhancing influence on neighboring regions, according to the plan.
The plan made it clear that people’s wealth should be increased, the level of social values should be improved to reach new heights, cultural soft power should be clearly strengthened, China’s cultural influence should be expanded and deepened, and the exchange and integration of different cultures should be promoted.
The Greater Bay Area of Guangdong Province facilitates the enrichment of the implementation of China’s “one country, two systems” principle. It also creates more opportunities for the economic and social development of the two Special Administrative Regions and for citizens of (Hong Kong and Macau) who wish to develop a working life in mainland China.
The Greater Bay Area will help “Hong Kong” to find new engines for economic growth, improve the diversified development of the economy and industries at the local level, as well as increase the living space and development of Hong Kong residents.
The Chinese plan Is to transform and develop the (Greater Bay Region) into a vibrant and innovative global region with high efficiency, rich resources, a strong economy, and good opportunities. This will allow “Hong Kong” residents to enjoy the benefits of the country’s economic development and maintain Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
East Asia
The 3rd Trans-Himalaya Forum UN for Ecological Civilization and Environmental Protection
Published
2 weeks ago
on
October 4, 2023
By
Despite the world is passing through a very tense and hostile geopolitical environment, yet, in a significant diplomatic development, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani is set to attend the 3rd Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in Nyingchi, Tibet, from October 4-5, 2023. This visit comes at the special invitation of China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, underlining the mutual commitment of nations in fostering regional cooperation.
Historical Background and Importance:
Tibet is also known the roof top of the world, it is one of the oldest civilization, and may be the most important part of the world, especially for this entire region. It is the source of water for whole region, most of the rivers originates from it. It biodiversity is crucial for the entire region. The Trans-Himalaya Forum, initiated in 2018, stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit among regional countries. It aims to deepen practical cooperation on vital issues such as geographical connectivity, environmental protection, ecological preservation, and cultural exchanges. The last in-person meeting, held in 2019, facilitated invaluable discussions that paved the way for shared understanding and strategic collaborations.
China views the Trans-Himalaya Forum as a platform that embodies the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. The forum aligns with China’s commitment to ecological civilization and environmental protection, central tenets of its development agenda. China values it friends and Pakistan is closet of its neighbor, friend and stakeholder in the region. By inviting esteemed diplomats like Foreign Minister Jilani, China underscores its commitment to fostering international partnerships and building a sustainable future together. China is committed to work with the rest of world in all domains and especially with its close friends and allies. Chinese initiatives like Global Security, Global Developments, and Community of shared futures are in line with the same spirit. China believes in multilateralism, and openness, while oppose hegemonic approach and protectionism.
Importance of the Forum:
This year’s theme, “Ecological Civilization and Environmental Protection,” reflects the urgency of addressing environmental challenges collectively. The Forum serves as a crucial avenue for nations to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions. It not only enhances regional cooperation but also fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up the Trans-Himalayan region. Currently the world is facing severe challenges on clash of civilization and environmental fronts. China being a responsible nation is well aware of such challenges and its consequences, that is why, it is struggling to prevent any major disaster. It has been putting all efforts to resolve the common issues and problems faced by humankind. It is open to all nations in a positive manner to collaborate to resolve the serious concerns. This forum will be a right stem in the right direction.
Expected Outcomes:
The Forum is anticipated to yield fruitful outcomes. Bilateral meetings, including those with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Foreign Minister of China, and the Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, are expected to foster stronger ties and collaborative initiatives. Additionally, the collective discussions are likely to result in joint projects, resource sharing, and policy frameworks aimed at environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The Way Forward:
Looking ahead, the Trans-Himalaya Forum will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. By embracing the Chinese perspective, nations can harness the collective wisdom of diverse cultures and work towards a harmonious and prosperous Trans-Himalayan region. As nations engage in collaborative efforts, this forum exemplifies the power of unity and shared goals, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for all. The beneficiaries will be all stakeholders in the region and will also contribute to global peace, development and harmony.
Pakistan is always playing positive role in geopolitics and will be important member of the global community in resolving immediate concerns. As a matter of policy, Pakistan has been contributing toward resolving issues and overcoming challenges. Pakistan is always a partner in any positive developments leading toward security, peace and developments. The UN always appreciated its role in UN peace keeping mission.
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