by Kirtan Bhana
Director and Editor of the Diplomatic Society, South Africa
6700km of prime riverfront real estate is what has emerged in Chongqing in Western China. The All-China Journalists Association – ACJA chose this ideal location on the banks of the mighty Yangzte River to host the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), premised on the Ancient Silk Road, was launched by President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Kazakhstan in 2013.
One hundred journalists from all over the world converged on Chongqing to experience the Peoples Republic of China first hand and witness a transformed nation in a city that has blossomed into a global hub on the crossroads of the BRI, as it was on the Silk Road. The forum’s discussion on modernization and high quality progress discussed matters based on holistic development in synergy with the ecology for a win-win planetary existence. The role of the media and all its facets and aspects in terms of narratives, analysis, research, information communication and most critical comprehension came under examination to counter hegemonic control, misinformation, disinformation and manipulation. Cross cultural representation is an expression of the diverse splendour of humanity who has so much to learn from each other, to revel in each and others’ uniqueness, and grow together by sharing experiences and relating stories. One of the measures of human advancement has been the innovation of technology which is tinged with market systems and consumerism. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, which has gained a great deal of attention since it was developed in the late 1950’s, 70 years ago, has already influenced our lifestyle. AI is just a tool, the responsibility of its use or misuse lies squarely on the shoulders of humanity and society as whole.
The vision of these aspects and attributes of the discussions of this poignant forum all came alive for the journalists as they journeyed to corners of Chongqing chasing stories about the BRI, looking for evidence to corroborate the news of its growing success. Sharing their excitement and awe of a city that is ready to rival those in the so-called developed world, expressing that the shift to the eastern hemisphere is real, and that China has gained momentum that will keep it in the lead position for the next hundred years at least.
Encounters with the locals and projects in the high mountainous regions left many gasping at the solid logistical infrastructure en route which continued into the remote rural reaches of the surreal Fairy Mountains of Wulong. There are clear signs that the rejuvenation projects have had the desired impact of uplifting the people and igniting a new vitality, and that improvement and maintenance are ongoing as access to new technology grows.
Being in harmony with the environment, symbiotically existing with the ecology and achieving a balance and equilibrium is the panacea for stability, peace and prosperity. The contentment of the people, their health and wellness is directly linked to the ecology in every respect and should be the beginning, middle and the end goal of every initiative or project. A visit to the ‘1003 Rose Polo Club’ was a surprising destination on the trip into the mountains, after all, the sport did originate in China during the Tang dynasty which ruled for almost 300 years from 618 to 907 A.D.
Travel, tourism and hospitality, as it were during the time of the Silk Road, is the key factor in leading to China’s ability to build economies of scale. Heritage and civilization, art, culture, sport, recreation and entertainment are intertwined, releasing the potential of an industry that bridges business and pleasure.
The profound realisation is that people are central to governance, that they are the market, the mainstay of trade and commerce, to innovation and design, production and consumption the infrastructure logistics of supply and demand. The ancient art of Economic Diplomacy is being revived through this vibrant and dynamic initiative of the Belt and Road. Harmonious connectivity, true and relevant information and responsible and accountable media and communication is the road to the promise land, which may not always be as smooth and straight forward, and it is the role where human intelligence supersedes AI everytime.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.