| |||||||
On December 4th, People’s Daily published an article titled “Promoting High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation for Sustainable Progress,” which highlighted President Xi Jinping’s important speech at the Fourth Belt and Road Construction Symposium. Sun Yongcai, Party Secretary and Chairman of CRRC Group, commented, “The President’s speech provides clear direction for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering new opportunities for the equipment manufacturing industry to expand internationally.”
Since the launch of the initiative, the Group has expedited its global expansion, with projects like the China-Laos Railway and Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway now operational, setting international standards for high-speed rail technology. “We will continue to follow the BRI initiative, strengthen national capabilities, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
The article “Promoting High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation for Sustainable Progress” sparked widespread response across society following President Xi Jinping’s speech on December 2nd at the Fourth “Belt and Road” Construction Work Symposium, which acknowledged significant achievements of the BRI initiative and outlined plans for advancing its high-quality development. The speech has generated widespread enthusiasm. Many expressed that the President’s address provided clear guidance and direction for the long-term, high-quality advancement of the BRI.
Paving the “Belt and Road” for a Brighter Future
President Xi underscored that “Despite a complex and evolving global landscape, the opportunities for BRI development outweigh the challenges. We must maintain strategic confidence, uphold long-term commitment, take proactive steps, and strive to create a brighter future for the Belt and Road,” he stated.
Xu Jianping, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), highlighted that the President’s speech provides clear direction and fundamental guidance for advancing high-quality BRI development. The NDRC, in coordination with relevant authorities, will develop concrete action plans, refine implementation mechanisms, and strengthen synergy with partner countries to accelerate connectivity in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and people-to-people exchanges.
Cen Yanqing, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Transport, noted the critical role of transportation infrastructure in BRI success. “Key projects such as the China-Laos Railway, Peru’s Chancay Port, and the China-Russia Heihe Highway Bridge have enhanced regional connectivity. The Trans-Caspian Express and the ‘Six Corridors, Six Routes, Multiple Ports’ framework have taken shape, providing a strong foundation for the initiative’s continued expansion,” he said. “We will remain dedicated to building an integrated, multi-modal transport network to further strengthen the BRI’s connectivity.”
“The President’s speech provides clear direction for advancing higher-quality and more advanced development of the BRI,” said Yang Lin, Director of the Chongqing Port and Logistics Office. He emphasized expanding key open corridors, such as the Western Land-Sea New Corridor and the China-Europe Railway Express, and accelerating the construction of an integrated transportation network to support the BRI’s high-quality growth.
As the BRI deepens, Xinjiang is evolving into a hub of international openness. “Openness is unending, and cooperation is future-focused,” stated Hao Weiming, Director of Urumqi Customs. He pledged to implement the President’s vision by enhancing Xinjiang’s free trade zones, improving customs efficiency, and shortening import clearance times.
Expanding Resilient and Sustainable Development
President Xi stated that the BRI has entered a new phase of high-quality development, urging the expansion of resilient, sustainable growth opportunities.
“The President’s speech has provided clear direction and guidance for expanding our overseas business,” said Wang Tongzhou, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Communications Construction Group (CCCC). He highlighted the company’s rapid international expansion and its positive contributions to the economic and social development of partner countries. “We will leverage our expertise in infrastructure to drive both large-scale landmark projects and localized initiatives. By upholding the principles of high standards, sustainability, and shared benefits, we aim to enhance connectivity and deepen economic ties with partner countries, contributing to BRI development.”
“The President’s speech provides clear direction for advancing high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and offers new opportunities for the equipment manufacturing sector’s global expansion,” said Sun Yongcai, Party Secretary and Chairman of CRRC. He highlighted the BRI’s transformative impact on the equipment manufacturing industry. “The initiative has provided unprecedented opportunities for global expansion. Our projects, including the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, have set new international benchmarks for high-speed rail technology,” he said. “Guided by the eight action plans for high-quality BRI Initiatives, we will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions, solidifying China’s leadership in advanced rail transportation.”
Quanzhou, a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is accelerating its development as a strategic trade and cultural hub. Party Secretary Zhang Yigong reaffirmed the city’s commitment to implementing President Xi Jinping’s directives by advancing the “Maritime Silk Road” Pilot Zone and strengthening links with “Silk Road Shipping” and “Silk Road Aviation”. Quanzhou is also fostering new trade models, including market procurement and cross-border e-commerce, while leveraging its UNESCO-listed heritage, Quanzhou: The World Maritime Trade Center of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, to drive cultural tourism integration. These efforts aim to position Quanzhou as a dynamic, globally connected “Maritime Silk Road” City in the 21st century.
The China-Europe Railway Express, known as the “Steel Camel Caravan” bridging Eurasia, continues to expand. In the first ten months of this year, the Xi’an route operated 4,354 trains, a 32.5% year-on-year increase, maintaining its national lead in train frequency, cargo volume, and heavy container ratio. “In recent years, the China-Europe Railway Express has steadily expanded operations, enhanced corridor capacity, and improved service quality,” said Yuan Ge, Deputy General Manager of China Railway Xi’an Group Co., Ltd. Moving forward, the company will accelerate the modernization of the railway logistics system and deepen the development of the Xi’an hub, further advancing BRI and strengthening Xi’an’s role as a key inland gateway for reform and opening-up.
Driving Global Collaboration for a Shared Future
President Xi reaffirmed the long-term vision for the BRI, stressing the need for persistence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to high-quality cooperation. “We must stay the course, overcome challenges, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.
Enterprises are playing a crucial role in shaping the BRI’s success. Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, emphasized the company’s global outlook and local engagement strategy. “We have seized opportunities in over 100 countries and regions, notably through our joint venture with Proton in Malaysia, which has deepened China-Malaysia economic ties,” he said. “Leveraging our expertise in new energy and smart mobility, we will collaborate with global partners to drive sustainable automotive innovation and enhance future mobility solutions.”
Zhong Ruyao, Director of International Cooperation at the State Energy Group, underscored the importance of energy cooperation in BRI development. “Our focus remains on fostering a green, open, and high-standard approach to energy infrastructure. We are expanding our presence in clean energy projects while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is also strengthening cross-border business collaboration under the BRI framework. Yang Xiaojun, Director of the CCPIT Industry Promotion Department, noted that over 100 companies from 40 BRI countries participated in the recent Chain Expo, demonstrating strong momentum in industrial and supply chain cooperation. “We will continue to foster international trade and investment linkages, contributing to a more open and resilient global economy,” he said. “As the BRI advances into its next phase, stakeholders across various sectors remain committed to deepening cooperation, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive growth, ensuring the initiative continues to benefit nations and communities worldwide.”
