Fred Teng: Bridging Borders, Building Futures
December 11 , 2024By Fred S. Teng | a Senior Council Member at the Center for China and Globalization(CCG)
In the current era, as globalization faces significant headwinds and trade protectionism gains traction, the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), championed by Chinese Top Leader, emerges as a transformative endeavor. It is not merely an infrastructure program but a sophisticated strategy to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive global order. The BRI exemplifies the principle that genuine progress is best achieved through mutual understanding, collaboration, and the careful balancing of competing national interests.
The core of the BRI is its adherence to the guiding principles of “consultation, collaboration, and shared benefits.” This vision transcends conventional notions of unilateral aid, creating a framework where nations, particularly developing ones, can participate as equal partners in a shared pursuit of progress. Through this initiative, countries find pathways to integrate more effectively into the global economic system, driven by investments that enhance connectivity. Projects such as the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail, and Gwadar Port are emblematic. They not only improve regional infrastructure but also catalyze economic growth, lower logistical barriers, and elevate living standards—tangible evidence of a development strategy grounded in pragmatism and foresight.
One must view the BRI through the lens of its broader geopolitical and economic implications. Its success lies in its ability to provide developing nations with the means to advance their aspirations, integrating them into a global order that has often overlooked their potential. Trade volumes under the initiative now amount to trillions of yuan, bolstered by innovations such as cross-border e-commerce, which empower developing economies to climb the global value chain. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainable development—through investments in clean energy and environmentally responsible infrastructure—reflects a vision that harmonizes ecological imperatives with economic ambition. For example, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor showcases a model of cooperation where green development is not an afterthought but a core objective.
Globalization and multilateralism, long seen as the twin engines of international progress, find a renewed expression through the BRI. Globalization offers markets, capital, and technology to nations once excluded from its benefits, while multilateralism provides a framework of rules and mechanisms that ensure fair participation. This dual structure is evident in institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which provides developing nations with the financial means to execute transformative projects. Initiatives like the China-Europe freight trains, which significantly reduce transport times and costs, illustrate how connectivity can reshape trade patterns and enhance regional cooperation.
Nevertheless, it would be naive to ignore the skepticism the BRI has provoked, particularly from Western nations accustomed to dominance in the international order. Their critiques often stem not from the initiative’s flaws but from anxiety over shifting power dynamics. The rise of developing nations through the BRI represents a challenge to the established global hierarchy. To address these doubts, proponents of the BRI must rely not on rhetoric but on results: improved infrastructure, economic growth, job creation, and the tangible benefits these bring to millions. As Chinese Top Leader has aptly noted, “Actions speak louder than words.”
What distinguishes the BRI is its focus on partnership rather than paternalism. Unlike traditional aid programs that often impose conditions or perpetuate dependency, the BRI emphasizes mutual benefit. Consider the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya, where Chinese and local partners worked collaboratively to train local talent, ensuring the project’s sustainability. Similarly, its emphasis on green development—seen in solar, wind, and hydropower projects—demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to balancing energy needs with environmental responsibility. The initiative’s multilateral reach, exemplified by the agreements signed during the third Belt and Road Forum, underscores its global resonance.
The human dimension of the BRI is equally profound. By reducing logistics costs, enhancing transportation networks, and fostering economic integration, it improves livelihoods and creates opportunities in regions long marginalized by global markets. In East Africa, for instance, BRI projects have revitalized industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, offering new hope to millions of families. The initiative also invests in social infrastructure, from healthcare to education, reinforcing its holistic approach to development.
Chinese Top Leader’s vision for the BRI aligns with the broader imperative of creating a fairer, more balanced world. This initiative does not simply aim for economic returns but aspires to improve living standards, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen global trust. In this sense, it is not just a mechanism for growth but a profound statement about the nature of international cooperation in the 21st century. As Xi has said, the BRI is a “platform for shared progress,” offering confidence to a world in search of stability and purpose.
Ultimately, the Belt and Road Initiative is a testament to the enduring relevance of globalization and multilateralism in addressing the challenges of our time. By enhancing connectivity, fostering trade, and embracing sustainability, it revitalizes the global economy while opening new pathways for developing nations. As the world grapples with the complexities of our shared future, the BRI provides a model of cooperation that respects sovereignty, promotes inclusivity, and seeks lasting prosperity. Developing nations, in particular, would do well to engage with the BRI’s vision, contributing to a future defined not by conflict or division but by shared ambition and mutual respect. In this, the BRI is not merely an initiative but a legacy for generations to come.
Fred Teng is President of AmericaChina, he is also an Honorary Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, Senior Advisor to the China-United States Exchange Foundation, Executive Council Member of the Center for China and Globalization, and Visiting Professor of the School of International Studies, Sichuan University.
