(ECNS) -- The Global Development Initiative proposed by China has made significant contributions to fostering consensus on development, global poverty reduction, and economic development, said Benjamin Norton, chief editor of the Geopolitical Economy Report, in an interview with China News Network in Wuyishan, Nanping City of East China's Fujian Province.
Norton was in Wuyishan to attend the First Wuyi Forum, hosted by Renmin University of China. It was held from Thursday to Sunday.
Norton pointed out that the Global Development Initiative is a way for China to share its experience with other developing countries.
“What's also important is that China has made it clear that it is not the leader, and it's not telling other countries what to do. It's based on the idea of win-win cooperation and mutually beneficial development,” he said.
“For hundreds of years, many countries have been suffering because of colonialism, hegemony, and interventionism. China is saying that 'We don't want war’, ‘We don't want colonialism or interventionism. We want collaboration and peace to bring about development’,” Norton added.
He also noted that the China-Europe Freight Express has become a transport stabilizer amid the Red Sea Crisis. “China has made a lot of progress in helping increase trade and interconnectivity with Europe and countries around the world. I think that's an important model that other countries can follow,” he said.
Public data indicates that since the outbreak of the Red Sea crisis, cargo ships bound for Europe have had to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to significant increases in costs, time, and other expenses.
Against this backdrop, the advantages of the China-Europe freight train route have become more prominent. In 2023, the China-Europe freight train's transportation costs between China and Europe were only about one-fifth of air freight, with transportation time approximately one-fourth of sea freight. Additionally, it is punctual, reliable, and characterized by high stability.
Talking about the “AI +” initiative proposed in the 2024 Chinese government work report, Norton said China is seeing a very rapid development in technology, and AI is going to play an important role in its economy.
“Artificial intelligence will help China and other countries develop technologically and continue to improve the livelihoods of people. And ultimately, it could be a good force to pursue common prosperity, to help raise the living standards of people who don't make a lot of money and ensure more equality,” he said.
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