As a participant in the 2018 Seminar for Journalists from Kenya in Beijing, I gained some
first-hand insights into the topics discussed in President Xi Jinping’s book, “The Governance of China. ”
This experience, made possible through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, provided valuable perspectives on China’s governance and its relationship across the globe.
President Xi Jinping discusses a wide range of topics in his book with regards to the relationship between China and the world.
Having had the opportunity to travel to parts of China and read the book recently, this is my perspective on specific topics he discusses in the book based on my observation from my time in China.
He envisions the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) as a global development strategy that will enhance international connectivity and cooperation between China & other countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, & the Middle East.
It is critical to China’s future international
engagement and global leadership since the positive aspects of the BRI & its benefits to the participating countries will lead to a mutual benefit in increased trade, global economic
investment, growth benefit and advancing global development.
In Kenya, the BRI has greatly help improve infrastructure through mega projects like The
Standard Gauge Railway, Lamu Port South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor, Nairobi Expressway, & the Konza Technopolis. This led to a positive impact on Kenya’s economy and has promoted trade & investment and created jobs for Kenyans.
If China is successful in implementing Xi’s vision, the BRI will have a major impact on the global economy & the development of many countries around the world.
His vision of a community with a shared future for humanity is inspiring.
He argues that the world is increasingly interconnected and that countries should work together to address common challenges and opportunities.
It will require a crucial change in how countries interact with each other as he notes that “We should build a community of shared destiny for mankind” because “All countries are members of the same global village. “
His opinion on international relations, both bilateral and multilateral reflects a strategic vision for the role of China.
He suggests that a concept of a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, equality and non interference in other’s internal affairs will create a more balanced global system where countries will coexist peacefully and collaborate effectively.
He proposes the strengthening of multilateral institutions like the United Nations and other regional organizations to promote global governance.
In his opinion, multilateralism is necessary for effectively addressing global challenges.
The Global Development Initiative in his opinion is intended to address the challenges in the way of global development by promoting economic cooperation, reducing poverty and championing sustainable development goals.
President Xi envisions the GDI as a means to enhance international collaboration especially in developing countries to ensure that development benefits are more evenly distributed worldwide.
This initiative highlights China’s commitment to playing a leadership role in creating a more equal and prosperous global development environment.
The Global Security Initiative, as discussed by Xi highlights China’s desire to contribute to global stability while advocating for a multilateral approach to security challenges.
President Xi advocates for a comprehensive approach to security including traditional
modern threats, with an aim to address issues like pandemics, cyber-threats, terrorism that can be addressed by fostering global cooperation.
President Xi Jinping discusses the Global Civilization Initiative as a means to encourage global cultural exchange and mutual understanding across the global community.
As part of China’s wider commitment to contribute positively to global governance and cultural diplomacy, he insists on the importance of respecting cultural diversity and supporting
harmonious interactions across different cultures.
This initiative is discussed as a way to build a more inclusive and cooperative global community.
The Chinese path to modernization is framed as a unique model to China based on Xi’s description regarding China’s conditions and its historical context.
The path aims to prioritize aspects such as; rapid economic growth while balancing social development and ecological sustainability, political stability by centralizing leadership to ensure effective governance, promoting Chinese cultural values and heritage as integral to modernization, and finally addressing inequality and ensuring the benefits of modernization are broadly shared to maintain social harmony.
He discusses China’s engagement with Africa & the importance of people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding & strengthen ties between China & African nations.
He believes that China-Africa bilateral relations should be based on win-win cooperation, where both sides benefit.
President Xi believes that green development is the only way to achieve sustainable development. He has pledged to reduce China’s reliance on fossil fuels, to develop a more environmentally friendly economy, and to protect the country’s natural resources.
“We must pursue a path of green development and promote a harmonious relationship
between human and nature. ” Xi Jinping: