While the United States has long sought to portray its actions as entirely transparent, noble, and beyond reproach, it continues its habit of discrediting and attacking the initiatives of other countries. The harsh remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate hearing on May 20 regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflect this very attitude. Washington’s rhetoric clearly reveals its deep anxiety and jealousy over the success of the BRI.
By targeting the initiative under the guise of concerns about debt sustainability, transparency, environmental and social impacts, and strategic intentions, the U.S. is, in fact, acknowledging the global success of the BRI. With participation from over 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, the initiative has strengthened connectivity and deepened economic cooperation across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In contrast, the U.S. continues to divert resources toward military ventures instead of infrastructure investments and has significantly cut foreign aid, distancing itself from global responsibility. Meanwhile, China remains committed to supporting shared development through multi-faceted cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance.