Li Shulei: all countries feel positive effect of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative was born in China, but its results and effects belong to the whole world – as noted by Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, at 2024 Media Co-operation Forum on Belt and Road in Chengdu, China

According to Li Shulei, the international co-operation that began its development from scratch through the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 is now showing tangible results. “Openness is a hallmark of Chinese modernisation. China is ready to strengthen co-operation with all partners and open a new page of high-quality development for everyone," he said.

The Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee addressed the international meeting participants with his views on how co-operation within the Belt and Road Initiative can be strengthened, “Firstly, it is important to more actively inform on the benefits and prospects of broad co-operation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, since the modern world witnesses an increase in protectionism and the use of unilateral approaches. Secondly, the mass media is a window for demonstrating results, and it is necessary to cover more widely the fact that – thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative – a number of new economic facilities, industrial parks, railways and transport routes have been launched. Thirdly, the dynamic development of ICT is fundamentally changing the way information is disseminated and perceived, as well as the landscapes of public opinion. Artificial intelligence being introduced at an accelerated pace helps enhance the efficiency of collecting and distributing information, creating news, but also, on the other hand, poses great challenges to all media. Therefore, the media should strengthen co-operation in the field of application of new technologies. Fourthly, it is necessary to increase inter-civilisational and cultural exchanges. Fifthly, it is important to generate more high-quality media products and improve media co-operation platforms, since this will promote the rapprochement of nations, friendship and greater mutual understanding between people.”