On May 15, 2025, the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum Advisory Council meeting was held in Ningbo, China, bringing together experts and political figures from around the world. The participants discussed major global issues such as building an open world economy, liberalizing trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is not only about infrastructure connectivity but also about fostering joint development and strengthening multilateralism, offering a valuable opportunity for global stability.
Former government officials and scholars attending the meeting highlighted the importance of promoting high-quality infrastructure and supporting digital and green transitions. Mari Elka Pangestu, a former World Bank managing director from Indonesia, stated that China–ASEAN cooperation provides positive examples and that future collaboration should expand to smart cities and renewable energy. Meanwhile, Professor Li Daokui of Tsinghua University noted that China bears a dual responsibility: boosting domestic demand to stabilize its economy and contributing to global development through technological innovation. Participants agreed that the BRI serves as a platform that reinforces multilateralism and contributes to improved global governance.