What they say

The rise of China is the single biggest geopolitical change of the 21st century. There is virtually no problem in the world that can be resolved without China. ... I would like to see America engage with China from a position of strength, but with the attitude of partnership.

I strongly believe that building a community of shared future is crucial for the future of mankind. Indeed, not only future prosperity and peace depend on economic growth and political cooperation, but also from a shared culture based on mutual understanding. This is why in a world where openness is increasingly threatened, we need to keep the door of dialogue among civilizations open.

Romano Prodi, former prime minister of Italy, and president of the European Commission

What matters most to the world is development, and China's opening-up will create chances of common development for the globe. I hope we stay on the path of reform and opening-up to share opportunities with countries willing to maintain sound relations with China. I also believe that US entrepreneurs and ordinary people are also willing to share China's opportunities.

Justin Yifu Lin, honorary dean of the National School of Development at Peking University

The road ahead will not be easy. Twenty years ago, Europe worked with China to ease its entry into the WTO. As clouds now darken over global trade, Europe and China can join forces to safeguard the multilateral trading system. And, if both Brussels and Beijing play their cards right, Europe can once again be an important partner in China's efforts to further reform and open-up.

(China Daily 09/30/2019 page26)