Mike Harris: Belt and Road Initiative to benefit humanity

By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, March 28, 2019
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Mike Harris speaks at the symposium of "The Grand Voyage of Zheng He and the Development of the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road" held at The Pangoal Institution in Beijing, March 25, 2019. [Photo/China.org.cn]

"His achievements show that China had the ships and navigational skills to explore the world," he said. 

"The voyages of Admiral Zheng He started important trade with foreign countries, which exposed people to new ideas. It also provided them with new food, clothing, utensils and taught them scientific advancements they certainly would not have known about if not for the seven expeditions of Admiral Zheng He," Harris said. He stressed that what started during the Ming period lives on today through the Belt and Road Initiative, which "continues to help millions of people achieve better lives while helping to protect our environment." 

One example Harris cites is how Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Arabia, Africa and other countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road have a growing need for renewable energy. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is in association with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which is dedicated to helping provide affordable and clean energy throughout this large part of the world. 

"I'm delighted that China was inspired by the voyages of Zheng He to develop the Belt and Road Initiative, not just to initiate trade with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, but also to support the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations." Harris said. "These are very important goals that will not only help the people of China but will also help all of humanity on our fragile planet Earth." 

As a famous maritime achievement in Chinese history, Zheng He's voyages were not only a major accomplishment of Chinese civilization, but also an important spiritual heritage. The Pangoal Institution held the symposium because the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation projects involve deep partnerships with countries along its route, and the world needs to have an open and inclusive attitude for this initiative to create win-win outcomes for all. 

During the symposium, Chinese and foreign experts, scholars and guests had in-depth and extensive discussions on topics such as the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the role of China, and China's cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road. Experts agreed that the construction and development of the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" is critical in pushing forward the Belt and Road initiative. They also concluded that by reflecting on the ancient Chinese maritime diplomacy practiced by Zheng He, it will be more conducive to promote future cooperation between China and neighboring countries and build a more open and inclusive platform for regional cooperation.

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