Sun Zhuangzhi

Sun Zhuangzhi

(Secretary-General, Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

Author

Sun Zhuangzhi is Researcher and Secretary-general at the Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Director of the Central Asian Department at the Institute for East European, Russian and Central Asian Studies. Mr. Sun has been a recipient of the State Council special allowance. He is also a member of the Good Neighborly Cooperation Committee of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Executive Director of the Asia-Africa Development and Exchange Society of China, and Executive Director of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies under the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. His research areas include international politics, Central Asian relations and SCO. Published books: Five Central Asian Countries and Their Foreign Diplomacy (1999), Central Asia’s New Pattern and Regional Security (2001), Central Asia Security and the Afghan Issue (2003), and A Study of “Color Revolution” in the Commonwealth of Independent States (2011). Published papers: New Developments of SCO and New Opportunities in China’s Foreign Economic Cooperation (2012), New Situation in Central Asia and Strategic Position of SCO (2011), and SCO: An Important Platform for China-Central Asia Cooperation (2011).

Abstract

The nature, implementation approaches, role and influence of the Silk Road Economic Belt grow clearer and more prominent over time. It first demonstrates the cooperative, interconnected spirit of the ancient Silk Road. The trade route across the Eurasian continent was multifunctional since the very beginning: various countries and regions conducted trade on the Road and also exchanged advanced culture, scientific and technological knowledge and achievement, which helped cement the friendship among peoples in ancient Europe and Asia.

Second, it conveys the idea of countries enjoying equality and reciprocity. A new platform is to be built to promote the exchange and cooperation among various countries and organizations in the region and facilitate maximum opening-up there. The initiative intends to build smooth traffic and trade connections to link the industries in different countries, and bring forth a proper international division of labor regarding industry and supply chain, thus realize the principle of equality and reciprocity in effect.

Third, it clarifies the goals of regional opening up and mutual benefits. A compound, win-win, open ways of cooperation and exchange is put forward to create an effective means of conducting cooperation on equal base and sharing the fruit of development among countries that feature different levels of development, cultural traditions, resources, and social systems.

Fourth, it proposes a new cooperation model. It will bring into being a brand new cooperation idea, change the economic landscape of the region and even the world, ensure the economic safety in the region, and lead political and cultural exchanges through economic cooperation. This will help build a sustained, stable cross-country strategic relationship, cement the political and security trust among various nations, and boost the common prosperity and economic progress.