On May 15, 2025, the meeting of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. Members from various countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), trade liberalization and facilitation, digital economy, and artificial intelligence collaboration. Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized that despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, all council members aim to contribute their expertise to global development.
The meeting highlighted China’s constructive role in the global order. Participants recognized the BRI as a powerful global public good that has brought together over 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations. China’s technological innovations were acknowledged not only for benefiting its own people but also for empowering partner nations. Moreover, China’s Global Civilization Initiative — based on mutual respect and equal dialogue — was seen as a fresh approach to rebuilding trust in a world challenged by division and misunderstanding. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar concluded, “Under the Belt and Road framework, we are moving forward together toward a bright future. China’s development benefits all — that is the clear message we have received, and the belief we continue to hold.”