China’s Belt & Road initiative not a ‘pitfall’ —envoy

The People’s Republic of China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is not meant to put any participating country at a disadvantageous position, a Chinese official said Friday.

“The guiding principle of the BRI is consultation and cooperation for shared benefits. All the cooperation projects are not ‘imposed on anyone’ or designed to ‘frame’ any other country,” said Tan Qingsheng, deputy chief of mission, minister-counselor at the Embassy of China in the Philippines.

Tan was addressing participants in the China-Philippines Belt and Road on People-to-People Exchange and Economic Cooperation in Pasay City.

“The so called ‘China debt trap’ is completely groundless. The BRI is a 'pie' for everyone to share, not a ‘pitfall’ that hinders development,” Tan said.

The BRI was initiated by China, all participating countries can claim equal ownership of the initiative, the Chinese official noted.

“China has no intention to seek any sphere of influence or gain any geopolitical advantages through the BRI.  We welcome any country who is willing to contribute to the regional connectivity and integration to join the BRI,” Tan said.

Launched in 2013, the BRI has now more than 160 countries and international organizations as signatories to cooperation agreements with China.

“The total GDP (gross domestic product) of the countries along the Belt and Road consists of 30% of world GDP, and the population is 60%,” Tan said.

“As of the end of 2018, we have established 734 pairs of sister cities between China and countries along the BRI routes,” he said. —VDS, GMA News