Li Yongquan

(Director, Institute of Russian, Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

Author

Li Yongquan is Researcher and Director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Mr. Li used to work as a translator and editor of Marxist theories and books, and is a researcher of Russian history and contemporary international issues in the Central Compilation & Translation Bureau. Li has many published books, including Lenin's New Economic Policy Principles and Its International Influence (in Russian, 1990), The Rise and Fall of Russian Parities (first published in 1999, and reprinted for the third time in 2006), and Moscow Aria (2005). He has published more than 100 academic papers in both domestic and international journals. He is Editor-in-chief of Russian Development Report of Social Sciences published by the Academic Press of China (2012, 2013, and 2014).

Abstract

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative to build a Silk Road Economic Belt during his speech delivered at Kazakhstan's Nazarbayev University on September 7, 2013. The initiative has won positive response from the related countries and regions and also the entire international community. Since China's reform and opening-up 35 years ago, the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics has made significant achievements. These achievements not only result from Chinese people's diligent work and wisdom, but also benefit from the peaceful global environment. At the new round of reform and opening-up, China cares for a peaceful world and harmonious surroundings more than ever. 1. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a peaceful, cooperative link and an integration of history and reality. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a natural outcome of economic development and regional cooperation in this age of economic globalization. The ancient Silk Road economic belt was not built on purpose, but formed according to the trade needs then. The ancient Road, though mysterious to some extent, was prosperous, harmonious and peaceful. The new Silk Road belt will also become a peaceful, harmonious and cooperative link, as well as a bridge of economic and cultural exchanges. 2. The Silk Road Economic Belt pursues mutual benefits instead of any political claims. As a way of multilateral cooperation, the Silk Road Economic Belt is in pursuit of mutual benefits rather than any political ends. Technically, it is not an integration process, but a process that facilitates trade and cooperation. No sovereignty transfer is needed in this process; each country participates in it independently. This process will be one that focuses on economic complementation, market co-existence, benefit sharing and common development. 3. The Silk Road Economic Belt will promote the economic, cultural and civilization development for China and other countries and regions. China pursues a harmonious relationship with neighboring countries: not only in win-win economic relations, but also in harmonious cultural and civilization exchanges. The development of the Silk Road Economic Belt will enhance the political mutual-trust among various countries and advance people-to-people exchanges. People-to-people exchanges and cultural communications will strengthen the understanding and friendship among peoples of various nations. The economic cooperation on the Silk Road Economic Belt will prompt related countries and regions to pay more attention to regional stability and security, as well as help easing and resolving social problems and further promote regional security and stability. In all, the initiative of the Silk Road Economic Belt advocates equality in politics, mutual benefits in economy, and seeking common ground while reserving differences in culture. Therefore, it will lead us to common development and prosperity.