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By Francis C W Fung, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; Director General of the World Harmony Organization, based in San Francisco, CA, US

An historic moment was witnessed on Dec. 25 last year, since China, along with 56 other founding members, launched the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to support the Belt & Road (B&R) Initiative that is expected to provide greater connectivity on a global scale.

The initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping to demonstrate his modern vision for a community of common destiny for world prosperity.

The Belt refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt that connects China to Europe through Central Asia. The Road is the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China through South East Asia to the Arab world.

The initiative maintains a spirit of the ancient Chinese teachings of "Tien Xia Wei Kung (The world is for all.)" and "Tien Xia Da Tong (Great harmony over all the world)," which serve as Chinese cherished dreams for the world’s mutual commerce connectivity, prosperity, cultural respect and harmony.

It’s natural for Beijing to launch the initiative for historical, technological, financial capable and infrastructure building experience reasons. In the last 39 years since China’s reform and opening-up policy, China has constructed over 20 trillion US dollars worth of highways, railroads, high speed railroads, bridges, tunnels, internet and high voltage electric transmission infrastructure covering the nation’s 1.3 billion population.

Such super scale of construction in a short time has no historical precedence. China has the largest highway and high speed train networks in the world. By 2020, the 100th anniversary of the founding of Chinese Communist Party, all major Chinese cities are scheduled to be connected by high speed railroad.

The B&R would establish infrastructure, communication and cultural connectivity for the nations and regions adjoined along the route. All New Silk Road infrastructures completed will be connected to China, such as during the Ancient Silk Road Era. China’s rejuvenation will make it one of the major powers of the world yet again.

China seeks to become a driving force for the second round of globalization, which is likely grow larger and more inclusive than the first round of globalization led by the United States in the 20th century.

The US will remain the dominant military power but not the largest economic power, which means the US will no longer dominate the globe as Washington had done in the 20th century. The 21st Century globalization favors inclusivity, equality,  mutual respect, win-win prosperity and world harmony.

China’s middle class will soon become the largest in the world. On account of Silk Road connectivity prosperity, the nation will be the hub market for globalization. Developing countries will continue to rise economically and culturally and the Belt and Road can benefit all humanity. 

The B&R Initiative endorses mutual consultations, cooperation and benefits for all countries, serving as a symphony for our world to become all inclusive that welcomes progress together with China!

(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)

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