Global Challenges Require Humanity to Make Correct Global Decisions

Djoomart Otorbaev, Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan

Hu Biliang, Executive Dean of the Belt and Road School, Beijing Normal University

Xiao Lianbing, Secretary-General of International Exchange, Cooperation and Communication Center of Guangming Daily

China’s Anti-pandemic Strategy is the Most Effective

Xiao Lianbing: Dear Mr. Otorbayev and Mr. Hu Biliang, to this day, the COVID-19 pandemic is still wreaking havoc around the world. How do you view the impact of COVID-19 on Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian countries?

Djoomart Otorbaev: The COVID-19 pandemic hit the Central Asian countries unexpectedly in the first half of 2020. At that time, no one understood what was happening. There was a situation close to panic. However, a well-organized health care system, inherited from Soviet times, made it possible to organize the process of monitoring and treating the disease properly. Unfortunately, the introduction of general lockdowns has led to a sharp decline in economic activity in the country. Many people have lost their jobs, and the revenues to the state budget of the country have decreased. But in general, we can say that both governments and people have withstood the test of the pandemic. People understood what was happening and fought the disease and its consequences together.

Hu Biliang: The pandemic had indeed imposed an adverse influence upon Central Asian countries’ economic growth. Take the Kyrgyz Republic, where Mr. Otorbaev is from, as an example. According to the World Bank, Kyrgyzstan’s GDP fell by 8.6% in 2020 compared with 2019, significantly larger than the world’s average reduction rate of 3.4%. Similar situations have occurred in other Central Asia countries as well.

Djoomart Otorbaev: Even against the background of the still available isolated cases of the disease in China, it is already clear that the country is conquering this disease. If you look at the global statistics of ailments, it is already clear that China has chosen the most effective strategy to combat the pandemic. Naturally, such experience should be adopted by other countries as well. Whether these countries will be able to apply the "Chinese model" is another matter. The Chinese model of government is unique and has been thoroughly proven to be effective. In this direction, the most important is the existing degree of trust between the population and the state authorities and local self-government. The whole world saw the effectiveness of the Chinese management model.

Hu Biliang: China’s anti-pandemic achievements are evident to all. First, in terms of basic facts, as of now, the cumulative number of China’s COVID-19 confirmed cases and death are 136,000 and 5,700, respectively. Even without considering the population base, such absolute number is very small in the world. Second, from the perspective of actions and effects behind the data, in June 2020, China published the white paper Fighting COVID-19: China in Action, which systematically summarized China's experience and practices in fighting the pandemic, and illustrated China's anti-pandemic philosophy and propositions, such as efficient command, full participation, information transparency, science and technology support, valuing lives, mobilizing the whole country to fight the pandemic, and promoting solidarity and cooperation. Now, the whole world is seeing the effect of these actions. Finally, in the aspect of China's contribution to the global fight against COVID-19, during the past two years of pandemic, China has not only taken the lead in releasing pandemic information to the world, exchanging anti-pandemic experience, and proposing to build a human community of common health, but also provided assistance or exported anti-pandemic supplies to more than 200 countries and regions. Such supplies include more than 320 billion masks, 3.9 billion protective suits, and 5.6 billion testing kits. In addition to that, China has proactively provided more than 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries, regions, and international organizations and offered financial support to needed countries and regions. All these performances demonstrate that China has not only done a good job on its own, but also been a strong support to many countries, regions, and international organizations during the entire process of fighting against COVID-19.

Abandon Narrow Nationalist Views

Xiao Lianbing: A few people in the West has tried to "politicize" and "stigmatize" the origin-tracing of the COVID-19 and pass the buck to China, while China proposes that the origin should be traced in a scientific manner. What's your taken on this?

Djoomart Otorbaev: Unfortunately, even though the global fight against the pandemic was supposed to unite humanity, this did not happen. Some, especially in Western countries, began to look for those responsible for the appearance of the disease, based not on a scientific approach but various kinds of speculation and the politicization of this topic. No matter whether the virus first appeared in Wuhan, it does not mean that China is responsible for its emergence. It could appear anywhere in the world. And the fact that the virus was identified and its genetic code was deciphered in detail in China has allowed many scientific laboratories worldwide to accelerate the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19. The politicization of the disease emergence process is not permissible. Conversely, the world must unite in the fight against the pandemic. Global challenges require humanity to make global decisions.

Hu Biliang: COVID-19 is first and foremost a disease, the effective cure of which requires simple respect for the basic scientific laws. Meanwhile, since COVID-19 is highly contagious, it is crucial to follow basic rules of prevention and control for effective containing the pandemic. In short, following scientific laws is critical for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. The origin tracing of COVID-19 is an in-depth scientific study that can only be carried out seriously by professionals in accordance with relevant scientific methods, while the so-called origin tracing by non-professional departments such as intelligence agencies, government bodies, and media companies lacked seriousness and had no actual value. One can almost say that it was basically a joke. During the pandemic, non-scientific departments shall do their utmost in building solidarity among countries and people for gaining the final victory over the pandemic. Blaming others will be of no help, but worsening the relationship between nations and peoples, and reducing the efficiency of global cooperation.

Xiao Lianbing: What do you think of China's active participation in the international community's anti-pandemic actions?

Djoomart Otorbaev: China was one of the first countries to develop its national vaccines to combat coronavirus. And China’s vaccine has been quickly offered for use in other countries. China became the first country to provide its vaccine to Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries. Moreover, China presented the vaccine to many countries for free. In addition, many Chinese specialists, doctors and nurses arrived in the countries of Central Asia to share their experience in fighting the pandemic. We say: "A friend is known in trouble." Our peoples and states very well received the fraternal support of our neighbor.

Hu Biliang: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has actively participated in the global fight against the pandemic in an all-round way. First, the Chinese leaders have conducted active communications and negotiations. President Xi Jinping held telephone conferences with leaders of many countries on cooperation against COVID-19. Second, China has taken active steps in exchanging information, especially experience of pandemic prevention and control, with many international organizations and countries, and providing assistance, such as funds, supplies, medical personnel, and training. Third, China has vigorously organized production and massive export of anti-pandemic materials to support different countries in their fight against the pandemic. Fourth, China has taken an active part in relevant international scientific research cooperation.

Xiao Lianbing: Under the situation where COVID-19 does not distinguish between races and national borders, the pandemic highlights the common destiny of mankind. After the outbreak, Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly proposed to the international community the idea of building a human community with a shared future. What’s your opinion on this?

Djoomart Otorbaev: The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown how interdependent our world is today. The disease had no boundaries, did not recognize who was rich and who was poor. The world was faced with a global threat. And humanity has realized that the only way to defeat the disease is to effectively unite all people on Earth. We will all be stronger if we do not hide in national corners but unite. In this regard, President Xi Jinping's call to build a human community of share future has become not just an idea but an open call for humanity to be closer to each other.

Hu Biliang: The development of the world has clearly shown an unprecedentedly deepened level of interconnectedness and interdependence among countries，which increasingly reflects a close-knit community with a shared future for mankind. The rarely seen pandemic revealed the shared destiny of mankind in a more direct and profound manner, which has contributed to a deepened understanding of building a human community with a shared future. The idea of this community points out a correct direction and paves the fundamental path for mankind’s ultimate victory over COVID-19.

Mutual Exchange and Learning among Civilizations is the Dominant Trend in the World

Xiao Lianbing: Public opinion in Western countries spreads "theory of clash between civilizations". What are your thoughts on this?

Djoomart Otorbaev: Currently, various new theories of the development of world civilization are being born. Among them is the idea of the “clash of civilizations”. In my opinion, the discussion of such theories is counterproductive since it distracts the attention of the world community from the real challenges of our time. Here, first of all, it should be emphasized that the next world war will be the last in the history of humankind. Not discussing the scenarios of a new war, but solving global problems facing our planet right now should become a priority for the whole world.

Hu Biliang: "Clash of civilizations" is only one point of view on civilization. More people hold views of pluralist civilizations and fusion of civilizations. The world is so huge, in which a great number of countries and diverse sources of civilizations coexist, and the dominant dynamics among civilizations have been communicating, mutual learning, and integrating. This is an important and objective reality, as demonstrated by the ancient Silk Road, the spirit of which, namely “peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit”, has been widely praised till this day. Clash of civilizations occurred in some regions at certain times, but they do not represent the dominant trend of inter-civilizational interactions.

Xiao Lianbing: In your opinion, what is the connection between the mutual exchange and learning among civilizations and building of a human community with a shared future?

Djoomart Otorbaev: Modern civilization has no choice but to build a more harmonious world. The world today is imperfect. Too many people are still dying in it, both from disease and from hunger. Millions of children are still not receiving education, local wars are still being waged, and soldiers are dying. Infectious and other diseases claim the lives of millions of people on the planet. We can only cope with such challenges together. Humanity needs to work together to tackle such challenges and not exacerbate injustice, inequality and conflict. Countries capable of leading in the generation and implementation of global ideas should play a unique role. One of these countries is China. In this regard, the birth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become timely and relevant. The fact that dozens of countries worldwide have already joined this initiative shows that the idea is gaining more and more support. The Belt and Road cooperation will undoubtedly become the most important vector of human development soon.

Hu Biliang: BRI inherits and carries forward the spirit of the ancient Silk Road. It aims to achieve better global connectivity in hardware and software as well as facilitate people-to-people exchanges through architecting a better global connectivity structure. On the one hand, with greater mobility of economic factors, such as commodities, technology, personnel, and capital, a country or region’s superiority can be brought into full play, and mutual benefit and common development be realized. On the other hand, cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and health care is conducive to enhance mutual understanding, increase mutual trust, and promote mutual learning among civilizations, which will eventually contribute to world peace. Therefore, promoting people-to-people connectivity and facilitating mutual learning among civilizations through the Belt and Road cooperation will directly contribute to building a human community with a shared future, which accordingly, offers a good guide to Belt and Road cooperation for relevant countries.

Central Asian Countries Fully Support the Belt and Road Initiative

Xiao Lianbing: How do you view the Belt and Road cooperation in Central Asia?

Djoomart Otorbaev: The fact that President Xi Jinping first proposed Belt and Road Initiative in his speech in Central Asia suggests that the region should be a critical element in the success of this initiative. The Central Asian countries fully supported the initiative, and its main ideas are reflected in the development programs of these countries.

Hu Biliang: BRI aims to achieve global common development through global cooperation, improve global governance system through extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, practice true multilateralism through carrying out Belt and Road cooperation, implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of UN through close integration of BRI with relevant countries’ development plans, and promote a human community with a shared future through facilitating mutual exchange and learning among civilizations. After more than 8 years since the initiative was put forward, over 170 countries and international organizations have officially signed over 200 Belt and Road cooperation documents and established more than 90 bilateral cooperation mechanisms with China. A large number of the projects have been constructed, including highways, railways, bridges, ports, airports, power plants, industrial parks, as well as projects on green development, farmland irrigation, poverty reduction, education, health care, and so on. Many of these projects have yielded fruits and brought tangible benefits to people of relevant countries. Therefore, the BRI has been welcomed and well received by the vast majority of countries in the world and their people. The practice of the Belt and Road cooperation over the past eight years has been very successful.

Xiao Lianbing: After the outbreak of COVID-19, China proposed that the “Belt and Road” should become a green, healthy, and prosperous road. What’s your opinion on China’s proposition?

Djoomart Otorbaev: One of the most significant achievements that China has made is its achievements in sustainable development and a green economy. If you look at China's plans in this direction, they are simply fantastic. I do not doubt that China will achieve leadership in sustainable development and become a model for other countries to plan and achieve success in these areas. Indeed, in the post-pandemic period, the prioritization of green, healthy, and prosperous development will become the most vital and newest component of the main idea of BRI.

Hu Biliang: With the global pandemic posing a huge threat to people’s lives and health around the world, guarding people’s safety and health with the international cooperation platform of BRI has become a prioritized mission. Therefore, China put forward the new initiative of building BRI into a road of health and taken initiative in setting an example and providing a large quantity of anti-pandemic supplies and vaccines to the world, a considerable amount of which to countries joining the Belt and Road cooperation. Given that the economy of many countries being seriously affected by the pandemic, China proposed to build the BRI into a road of prosperous development, hoping to boost economic recovery of relevant countries. China has also attached great importance to the green Silk Road, aiming to push forward green and sustainable development for eventually achieving universal prosperity and lasting world peace.

Xiao Lianbing: What’s BRI’s role in promoting the economic development of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia in the post-pandemic era?

Djoomart Otorbaev: Over the past three years, the countries of Central Asia have shown the priority of regional cooperation. In this regard, cooperation between China and Central Asian countries could be supplemented by developing regional initiatives. Special attention could be paid to the development of mutually beneficial transport and energy projects. Considering the highly educated population of the countries of the region, interaction in the field of high technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence should be considered. Namely, those industries with high added value, which are very actively developing in China itself.

Hu Biliang: I think that BRI will benefit Central Asian countries’ economic growth from three aspects: First, as related transportation infrastructure been constructed, the landlocked Central Asia countries will obtain more economic benefits from the global value chain with land-sea combined transportation system. Second, these countries will see accelerated industrial upgrading. Third, they will benefit from Eurasian economic integration.

Neighborhood with China Provides Great Advantage to Central Asia Countries

Xiao Lianbing: How do you view the future cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan?

Djoomart Otorbaev: China is a strong economy in the world. And the great advantage of Central Asia lies precisely in our neighborhood with China. According to economists, by 2050, more than half of the world's GDP will be produced in Asia. Kyrgyzstan's priority should be to develop transport infrastructure with China. Already with the assistance of China, two highways have been built connecting our countries. It is planned to build a transit railway. Several energy projects have been implemented. All these projects will contribute to the future development of the economy of my country and the entire region.

Hu Biliang: I have been to the Kyrgyz Republic twice to conduct field research on Belt and Road construction. My general impression is that the country is rich in economic resources, such as water, land, mineral, and tourism resource, but the level of its industrialization and agricultural development is relative modest. Over 80% of the roads are built by Chinese companies over the recent years, which are still not sufficient in meeting the nation’s transportation demands. Therefore, there is great potential for Kyrgyzstan-China economic cooperation in areas like infrastructure construction, mineral resources development, agriculture, manufacture, tourism, and finance. Kyrgyzstan is adjacent to China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. I believe that both Kyrgyzstan and China will achieve mutually beneficial and win-win development as Xinjiang advances its development as the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Xiao Lianbing: Kyrgyzstan is a close neighbor of Afghanistan. How do you view the current situation and future development of Afghanistan?

Djoomart Otorbaev: Afghanistan has always been an essential part of greater Central Asia. As a result of recent events, power in Afghanistan has passed to the Taliban movement, which has declared that the country will be a peaceful and predictable member of the international community. All neighboring countries of Afghanistan must contribute to the friendly and civilized development of this country. Several major infrastructure projects will contribute to Afghanistan’s sustainable development, for example, the construction of the Termez-Mazari-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, which will connect the countries of Central Asia with the ports of the Indian Ocean, the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, and many other significant projects. Participation in various promising economic projects of countries such as China, Russia and Iran should play an essential role in developing the country. For example, the country is very rich in minerals. Projects are already known whose development could provide substantial support to the country's economy and create new jobs. And here, the task of political stabilization of the situation in the country comes to the fore. The world community, and above all the neighbors of Afghanistan, must take a severe part in this process.

Hu Biliang: I’d like to share my ideas from one perspective, that is, Afghanistan could make full use of opportunities brought by the Belt and Road cooperation and find its position under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to develop economy and improve people's livelihood as soon as possible. Afghanistan used to be a vital part of the ancient Silk Road. Now, its most prioritized tasks are to form a strong and inclusive government, stabilize political situation, vigorously combat terrorism, guarantee security, improve business environment, and formulate a systematic development plan. All these are prerequisites for attracting foreign investment and developing international trade, and basic conditions for Afghanistan to ensure benefits from the Belt and Road cooperation. As a neighboring country, China has resorted to multilateral mechanisms to actively assisting Afghanistan in maintaining stability, and stood ready to effectively integrate both countries’ development plans with the Belt and Road cooperation to help Afghanistan promote growth and achieve lasting peace as soon as possible.