In tackling Covid-19, China is well aware of its role in the global economy
- Beijing has persevered with the ‘dynamic zero-Covid’ policy with full understanding of Shanghai’s role in both the Chinese and world economy to prevent a further downturn
- Meanwhile, efforts are under way to develop Hainan as a free-trade port and for China to contribute to economic integration in Asia and beyond
At the Boao Forum for Asia, which started on April 20 with the theme “The world in Covid-19 and beyond: working together for global development and shared future”, China will provide clear answers.
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Shanghai expects to reach dynamic clearance of Covid-19 cases at the end of spring in May. The Pudong New Area has been the hardest hit area in Shanghai during the outbreak. However, the city, which has struggled through the crisis, is making steady progress on the road of reform and opening up.
Designating Hainan to become the “paradigm of China’s reform and opening up in the new era” can have an impact on the entire nation, as seen with Shenzhen and the Shanghai Pudong New Area in the past.
Based on an awareness of China’s long history and civilisation, the country is often “picky” about the choice of major international meeting venues. When talking about Hainan Island, people often describe it as “the edge of the world.”
This phrase has a multidimensional meaning. It implies that such a place “transcends distance and makes everyone your neighbour” as an old saying goes, and it brings about the integration of cultures.
Many Chinese will remember it as the place to which Su Dongpo, a famous Chinese poet and statesman, was exiled after being demoted. In ancient China, literati or scholar-officials in exile brought the advanced culture of the central areas with them, promoting the integration of cultures and ethnicities.
Unlike other countries, China does not attach any political strings to its efforts to promote common development and deepen economic cooperation with other Asian countries, let alone set a debt trap.
Historically, Chinese civilisation respects and acknowledges cultural differences, which is why the Boao Forum for Asia has also adopted topics related to diversity of civilisations and religions besides the economy, science and technology. This diversity represents the historical experience of Asia, the best example of which is the ancient Silk Road.
Xie Maosong is a senior fellow of the Taihe Institute, and a senior research fellow at the National Strategy Institute of Tsinghua University