Zhao Lei, Deputy Director of the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, discusses the vision and mission of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has evolved from a proposal by China into an international practice, transitioning from concept to action and now entering a stage of high-quality development. The Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of 2024 highlighted priorities for 2025, including “expanding high-level opening-up” and “deepening the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road.” Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that while the high-quality development of the BRI entails both opportunities and challenges, opportunities generally outweigh the challenges. In this context, despite complex international circumstances, it is imperative to advance the process resolutely through innovative thinking and concrete steps.
Global Impact and Strategic Importance
As China’s first comprehensive international cooperation initiative following its reform and opening-up, the BRI has achieved significant economic, diplomatic, and cultural gains. To date, China has contributed to the global economy by establishing over 48,000 enterprises in 189 countries. Notable progress in the digital economy and green development has created substantial opportunities for the future of the initiative. Moreover, the BRI contributes to building a more equitable and inclusive global order in line with the goal of creating “a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Opportunities and Challenges
The BRI spans a broad spectrum, from traditional infrastructure projects to new fields such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence. However, growing geopolitical tensions and protectionist trends pose new challenges to the initiative’s sustainable development. This situation underscores the need to promote small but impactful projects in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, ecology, and education. China remains committed to strengthening systematic risk management in overseas projects while ensuring tangible benefits for participating countries.
Coordination and Innovative Steps
The sustainable success of the Belt and Road Initiative requires extensive coordination, from infrastructure connectivity (both physical and digital) to human relationships. China aims to deepen cooperation with all partner countries by establishing both “hard connections” (infrastructure) and “soft connections” (rules and standards). To this end, partnerships in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green energy, and artificial intelligence will be expanded to enhance the initiative’s international appeal. Through high-quality Belt and Road construction, China seeks to advance both its modernization and global economic development.