Staying firm on key principles can deflect efforts to denigrate ‘Belt and Road’ plan

The China-initiated "One Belt, One Road" plan seems to have hit some turbulence. At a groundbreaking ceremony for a new expressway linking Peshawar and Karachi in Pakistan on May 6, two small local political parties - Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz and the Baloch Republican Party - organized anti-China demonstrations. The expressway is reported to be the largest transportation infrastructure project designed for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a significant project for the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. But some people are attempting to cast aspersions on the initiative.



It's interesting to note that the banners raised by the Pakistani protesters were written in English. In fact, the local language is Urdu, and only a few local people understand English. It's clear that the protesters had international backing and were trying to send out messages to the international community. They claimed that Pakistan was heavily indebted and controlled by China, that China lacked transparency, and that the project would damage Pakistan's interests. But this is nothing but manipulation of innocent citizens' fears.



Other similar incidents have shown that some international forces wish to jeopardize China's determination to promote the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. And those who make groundless accusations about the initiative are not necessarily local opponents, but very likely some forces from the West.



To tackle the issue, China needs to emphasize certain principles - projects should proceed based on consultation to meet all sides' interests along the route; efforts should be made to improve relevant mechanisms; and potential risks within certain projects should be avoided through measures such as guarantees and reinsurance.



Pushing forward the "One Belt, One Road" initiative should have three phases. The first would be to achieve a solid basis by launching infrastructure projects and building a consensus along the route by the end of 2016. The second phase would be achieving integration through establishing a high-standard Free Trade Zone network along the route, and making sure strategic passages to the Baltic and Mediterranean seas and to the Indian Ocean are clear and safe by 2024. The third phase would be fostering a community of shared interests and responsibilities by 2049, with China as the hub.



The demonstrations by the Pakistani political parties did remind us of certain things. For instance, Chinese firms should be the major players in the "Belt and Road" projects while the Chinese government provides services, and the projects must follow market rules and international standards. Chinese enterprises should also facilitate communication with local communities and nongovernmental organizations along the "One Belt, One Road" route.



A certain degree of caution is necessary when talking about potential prosperity and opportunities brought by the initiative, and precautions should be taken to deal with emergencies and unexpected incidents, just in case minority interests try to influence the projects and the reputation of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.



The author is a professor with the School of International Studies and director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn

