Initiative will help achieve shared growth

Why do Western commentators look at China's Belt and Road Initiative with Cold War prejudice, calling it a modern-day version of the US-initiated Marshall Plan for rebuilding European economies after World War II, or the 19th century Great Game, in which Britain and Russia battled for control in Central Asia?

To begin with, these claims are the result of a zero-sum mentality. Some don't trust China's strategic motivation, arguing the initiative is a geopolitical tool to assert its regional leadership and establish a new sphere of influence. Others resist the China-led initiative, comprising the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, for fear of losing their clout in the global financial system.

But, while doing so, the skeptics fail to see the fact that China has never had a zero-sum mentality. Instead, it believes in and encourages win-win thinking. As Confucius said: "He who wants success should enable others to succeed."