Wu Guangqiang

    jw368@163.com

    THE 14th conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) closed on March 29 in South China’s Hainan Province. Since its birth in 2001, the annual forum has acquired stronger international influence. This year’s event, which adopted the theme “Asia’s New Future: Toward a Community of Common Destiny,” was attended by 2,786 political, business and academic leaders as well as journalists from 49 countries and regions.

    The four-day forum focused on several key areas, such as the Belt and Road initiatives, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the ASEAN Economic Community.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the opening ceremony and called for a community of common destiny of Asia.

    In his usual way of lively expression, Xi said that building the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road is not China’s “solo” but is a “chorus” participated in by all the countries and regions along the routes.

    On March 28, China unveiled the principles, framework, cooperation priorities and mechanisms for its Belt and Road initiatives in a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future together.

    This year’s conference attracted more global attention because of Xi’s idea of a community of common destiny for Asia.

    It may be some time before the idea is fully understood and accepted by all Asian countries and regions, but time will prove that the idea is not an empty promise or publicity stunt. China’s commitment to the materialization of the goal in collaboration with Asian partners is based on its firm political will, great executive ability and a powerful economic strength.

    The idea has historical roots. Fifty years ago, China, along with other Asian nations, put forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence at the “Bandung Conference” held in Indonesia, laying the cornerstone of long-standing cooperation among Asian countries. Fully aware of the differences in terms of social systems, development levels and cultural backgrounds between China and other Asian countries and regions, China has been seeking common ground while respecting differences with its Asian neighbors.

    As the largest economy in Asia, China is shouldering greater responsibility for peace and development in the region in a bid to achieve common progress and prosperity.

    Responsibility means inclusion, restraint and sometimes sacrifice. During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, China decided not to depreciate the RMB while many neighboring countries devalued their currencies by a large margin.

    In managing territorial disputes with neighboring countries, China is sticking to the principles of peaceful negotiation, friendly solutions and never resorting to the use or threat of force. Of course, China will never budge on principles concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The basically stable situations in the dispute-ridden South China Sea and East China Sea regions shows the positive result of China’s efforts to maintain peace in Asia and the world.

    With China’s sustainable economic growth driven by innovation, Asia will see an unprecedented opportunity for broad prosperity. In the coming five years, China will import US$10-trillion worth of goods, outbound investments will exceed US$0.5 trillion and over 500 million Chinese tourists will travel around the world.

    An ancient Chinese proverb says, “A single blossom doesn’t make spring.” Without the development and prosperity of other countries in the region, China cannot prosper. Having experienced hardships and setbacks in social and economic development, many Asian countries are still struggling with poverty. It is China’s obligation to help these countries develop.

    After decades of hard work, China has accumulated some fine experience to share with its Asian neighbors. How China keeps long-term political stability and how China keeps economy growing are something most underdeveloped Asian countries need.

    China’s strong manufacturing sector and advanced technology such as its high-speed rail industry will certainly help speed up Asia’s development.

    The Confucian view that “benevolence is invincible” is still relevant today.

    (The author is an English tutor and freelance writer.)