Opposing the New Cold War and Ideological Confrontation... Message to the US Through 'Xi Jinping-style Message'
Belt and Road as 'Sunny Path', Hoping to Seize Opportunities in China's Vast Global Market
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that a great country should act like a great country and show greater responsibility. On the 20th, at the official opening keynote speech of the 'Asia 2021 Boao Forum' held in Boao, Hainan, China, President Xi made this remark targeting the United States.
President Xi stated, "To create a new future, international issues must be negotiated on an equal footing," once again emphasizing multilateralism. He continued, "Interfering in other countries' internal affairs will gain no support," and said, "We must advocate the common human values of peace, development, equality, justice, democracy, and freedom, and encourage exchanges among different civilizations." He also stressed, "We should abandon Cold War thinking and zero-sum games and oppose any form of new Cold War and ideological confrontation."
This statement is interpreted as a remark aimed at the United States and a warning to the Biden administration, which has taken a tough stance on China.
President Xi also mentioned market opening. He said, "China will build an open economy that promotes trade and investment," and added, "We hope that all countries in the world will seize opportunities in the vast Chinese market."
In particular, President Xi pointed out that 'decoupling' violates economic laws and market rules and will instead disadvantage the forces pushing for decoupling. This remark is also interpreted as a 'Xi Jinping-style' message delivered to the United States.
President Xi reminded that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. He said the Communist Party of China will continue to work as "a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a guardian of the international order."
He reiterated that China will not seek hegemony, will not expand its sphere of influence, and will not engage in an arms race.
President Xi also spoke about the Belt and Road Initiative. He defined it as "not a path pursuing the development of one side," but rather "a sunny road delivering mutual benefit and hope."
He said, "The world is on the same boat," and emphasized the need to jointly promote information sharing and strengthened joint control, international cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines, enhanced global public health security management, and joint responses to climate change.
Regarding the Boao Forum, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, President Xi evaluated that "the Boao Forum has played an important role and driving force for the development of China, Asia, and the world."
He added that the world has entered a period of turbulent transformation, which is both an era of challenges and an era of hope. President Xi further stated that it is a time to take responsible attitudes and make wise choices based on the common interests of humanity.
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