As the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its fifth anniversary, President Xi Jinping has hailed it as a thorough and solid global cooperation venture that will benefit the people in participating countries.
Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also reiterated that the BRI will help to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
He spoke on Monday at an anniversary symposium held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The BRI has offered a new solution to improve global governance, Xi said, adding that it had met the demand for change in the system of global governance.
He said the project demonstrates a community with a shared future, emphasizing the sharing of both responsibilities and rights.
Xi noted the importance of dialogue and negotiation when working with countries along the route.
He said China will continue to seek maximum common ground with partners.
The Chinese president also urged relevant parties to take one step at a time with implementation and expressed the hope that the project can promote various exchanges between countries.
The BRI reflects the desire of all countries, especially the developing countries, to promote peace and seek development, Xi said, adding it is an economic cooperation initiative, not a geopolitical or military alliance.
Xi stressed that the initiative is open and inclusive, not a "zero-sum game."
He said that China welcomes all countries to join the BRI as long as they have the will.
