The land reclamation project in Colombo jointly developed by China and Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative, which was completed on January 16, 2019 (XINHUA)

China is supporting other developing countries through the Belt and Road Initiative, a senior political advisor said, rebuffing claims that it is burdening these nations with debt.

"We want to promote the Silk Road Spirit of peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes through the implementation of the initiative," Guo Weimin, spokesperson of the Second Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at a press conference on March 2, a day ahead of the session's opening.

"China has invested primarily in infrastructure projects in Belt and Road countries, which have long-term relevance, and what China brings to these countries is development and hope," Guo added.

Over 100 countries and international organizations have voiced their support for and participated in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was formed in 2017, is scheduled to hold a second meeting in Beijing this April, according to Guo.

Guo went on to say that it is groundless to suggest that China is creating "debt traps" through the Belt and Road Initiative.

The CPPCC National Committee serves as China's top political advisory body. The 2,100-strong committee is composed of members from the ruling Communist Party of China and non-Communist parties alike, as well as those from different sectors of society ranging from science and technology to the press.

Copyedited by Craig Crowther

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