China to advance Belt and Road Initiative despite challenges – ministry

BEIJING - China will advance its Belt and Road Initiative despite challenges and difficulties, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

The Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

To back up the initiative, China has established the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund.

"I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative aims to help cope with challenges facing the world, to help countries especially those developing countries in Europe and Asia handle difficulties in the process of development by enhancing international cooperation and integrating resources. The Initiative has won wide supports from the international community and shows a promising prospect for development since it was proposed," said Geng Shuang, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The spokesperson said the Initiative was proposed against the backdrop of the sluggish world economic recovery, so challenges and difficulties are normal and anticipated. And the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held on May 14-15 in Beijing is China's efforts to draw lessons, lay out a blueprint and cope with challenges, Geng said.

"This weekend, far-sighted people will gather in Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. This forum aims to draw lessons, work out a blueprint, analyze problems, and handles challenges with joint efforts. We believe that this forum will be successful and the Belt and Road Initiative will move on while standing up to challenges and difficulties," Geng said. — Reuters