CHINESE President Xi Jinping on Tuesday lauded the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), saying that “17 plus 1 could make more than 18.” Xi made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at the China-CEEC Summit held via video link.
China-CEEC cooperation is yet another manifestation of Beijing to pursue wholeheartedly its well-considered strategy of peaceful co-existence and sharing fruits of economic development. The Chinese leader has rightly highlighted the fact that the cooperation is based on mutual respect and has no political strings attached, adding that all countries involved, regardless of their size, are equal partners in a cooperation mechanism featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
This is in sharp contrast to the approach and behaviour of several other influential countries that are in the habit of trying to dominate cooperative institutions and a case in point is the stubborn attitude of India that has turned the SAARC into a virtual moribund organization. It is important to note that China and CEEC have drawn up plans and decided on projects based on the national reality of each country, encouraging all countries to find the best way to leverage their respective strengths in cooperation.
The participating countries have also agreed to cooperate on the most relevant issue of the day — vaccine cooperation to help fight the Coronavirus, demonstrating willingness of China to share its research with other members of the international community.
