Why the open-mind? Like the vastness of the ocean comes from its accepting of thousands of rivers, to ensure constant progress under this initiative, China will continue, as we've always done, to earnestly heed the opinions and advice and fully consider the interests and concerns of all our partners. We will remain committed to open regionalism, and will refrain from closed blocs and arrangements targeted at the third party. We will seek to cooperate with other regional initiatives and mechanisms, and would welcome countries outside the region to actively participate in appropriate ways. In the future, the Belt and Road will foster large numbers of economic and people-to-people cooperation projects. We look forward to the valuable contribution from international organizations, multinational corporations, financial insititutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Why the courage? As we navigate through the adjustment after the international financial crisis, we must seize the opportunities of rapidly growing global ocean economy, and establish pivots and corridors for maritime economic cooperation. To achieve the goal, we will intensify efforts to promote maritime transportation, resources development, environment protection, scientific research, tourism, archeology, and port economic zone development. China will strive to strengthen strategic consensus and mutual trust. Our priorities will be focused on economic and people-to-people projects, and we will first proceed on initiatives that are within our capabilities and of easier external conditions, handle contradictions and differences in proper and peaceful ways, so as to avoid the disruptions of controversial issues in our cooperation.
In my home province Shandong, there is a saying that speaks of fishermen's know-how: cast the net up front of the boat, and sail the vessel up against the wind. Indeed, in the face of winds and waves, what matters most is to find out the wind direction so that we can sail with its strength. In the face of sunken reeves, what matters most is to make right choices on each case: some reeves can be safely crossed during high tides, yet some must require a detour. I have met friends from other countries who have been very candid in telling me that while they believe a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road would do good, they also worry that it might cause maritime disputes, security issues, and turf fights among major powers. In response, I often tell them that the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is a cooperation blueprint shared by all Eurasian countries. In this 21st century, we must get rid of the Cold War mentality, commit ourselves to a new type of international relations featuring cooperation and win-win, and press ahead ocean cooperation with more confidence, openness, and trust. The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is a fine example of China's neighborhood foreign policy concept of “closeness, sincerity, shared prosperity, and inclusiveness”. There is no hidden strategic agenda to use this initiative as a means to gain sphere of influence, still less to violate other’s sovereignty. That said, China will continue to firmly uphold its maritime rights and interests, safeguard global and regional maritime order, and work earnestly to provide public goods and ensure a harmonious ocean environment.
During the 4th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting, which was held last August in Xiamen, not far from here, ministers adopted the Xiamen Declaration, calling for the establishment of new partnership for Asia-Pacific ocean cooperation that is more comprehensive, sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. In my view, coordinated cooperation stands as the most effective way to realize such partnership at three levels.
