JULY 2 — I was in Beijing attending an international conference last month. Among the starry line-up of distinguished speakers were former government leaders such as presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers. Geographically, the participants were hailing from Russia to Central Asia, Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia.
Such a massive event could only have been hosted by a giant like China. As for the theme, it was none other than the much talked about “One Belt One Road” concept.
The only defect was that the speakers were only given a short 10 minutes each to convey their ideas on such a gigantic topic.
Back in Malaysia, all that I know of this “One Belt One Road” concept has been from what President Xi Jinping said in the conference, that China will set off on two separate routes—one land and another sea—to invest in and cooperate with countries along the way, complementing one another in achieving win-win situations in politics and economy.
To put things forthright, China is financially powerful with an oversupply of disposable funds that need an outlet in the form of outward investments. Moreover, given the realignment of the world order after the Cold War, and the dwindling influences of the US following its diplomatic flop in the Middle East, the enormous expanse of territories from Europe stretching all the way to Asia has now become a stage for China to demonstrate its economic and diplomatic clout, geo-politically speaking.
A colossal concept as it sounds, it is nevertheless much easier said than done, for every country has its own national interest to consider, each with its own calculations.
As the proponent and driving force behind this ambitious plan, China will need large sums of money, powerful forte, versatile strategies and exceptional foresight to see to its success.
In modern history, the only other plan of such a magnitude ever implemented in this world was the post-war Marshall Plan.
Most of the institutions and facilities in Europe were destroyed during the second world war, businesses and industries collapsing, social productivity faltering and multitude of jobless people starving.
Across the Atlantic, the United States was already a superpower which had helped Europe defeat Nazi Germany but not knowing how to pick up the pieces after the war.
There were then two prominent strategists at the US State Department, William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan, who felt America should not stay out of the business of Europe in view of the latter’s critical conditions, as doing so would only compromise America’s own long-term interest.
In their report they proposed that unless the conditions in Europe were improved, riots would break out, extremism would be revived, and Europe might be ravaged by communism.
And if the Untied States were to help Europe restore its order, a democratic and prosperous Europe could be established to help check the advances of communism and be America’s most loyal allies and trading partners.
The idea was adopted by the government, and Secretary of State George Marshall declared the “European Recovery Program” (later Marshall Plan) in 1947.
The US subsequently invested astronomical sums of money in Western Europe, supplying food and necessities, putting in place various infrastructure and facilities, rebuilding factories, implementing new development projects while deploying professionals and technical experts to participate in the development of post-war Europe.
Europe began to deliver itself out of abject poverty from late 1940s,. Agricultural activities were restored, infrastructure developed and the society stabilizing. By 1960s, Europe had become a bastion of unprecedented economic prosperity.
America did not lose anything in the plan. It had found an outlet for its excess capital and industrial capacity while its merchandises found an immense new marketplace. America also had secured its staunchest support in Western Europe to counter the threats of Soviet Union.
The Marshall Plan to rebuild post-war Europe has since transformed the world.
Perhaps, China’s One Belt One Road concept today could bring out the same effects in future.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
