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Pushing Humanity Forward

2018-05-09

Beijing Review 2018年17期

Against the backdrop of rampant anti-globalization across the world, China is set to open itself wider to the outside world, a move that will not only drive globalization but also pave the way for future economic growth.

On April 10, in his keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018, President Xi Jinping unveiled a series of measures to further open up Chinas economy, including broadening market access and creating a more attractive investment environment.

Three days later, at a conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Hainan Island as a province and a special economic zone, President Xi announced a decision to support the development of Hainan as a pilot free trade zone, and promote the establishment of a free trade port—the most open form of economic zone—with Chinese characteristics.

The policies and systems for the free trade port will be determined step by step. On April 14, an official document on the deepening of reform and opening up in Hainan was released. Shortly after, a new policy was announced under which tourists from 59 countries, including Russia, the UK, France, Germany and the United States, can visit Hainan visa free and stay for up to 30 days provided that they book their tour through travel agencies.

China is sincere and diligent in its efforts to safeguard globalization, evidenced by the countrys plan to open wider. Chinas mutually benefi cial economic and trade exchanges with other countries are boosting global prosperity, delivering a major blow to those who seek to curb Chinese economic growth by creating trade friction.

The world is now undergoing a fourth industrial revolution defi ned by new technology such as artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing. This revolution is pushing humanity forward in ways never seen before. However, the fourth industrial revolution has also posed many risks and challenges, which can be tackled only through negotiation as equals and heightened cooperation among nations. This helps to explain why humanity needs globalization. As history has proven, isolation will only lead to stagnation with only integration and cooperation capable of bringing a brighter future.

Reform and opening up are the major force behind Chinas remarkable achievements over the past four decades. China will only open wider to the world in the future. The international community is benefiting from Chinas policies of opening up and mutually benefi cial cooperation, and an open China will certainly make the world a better place.