Belt and Road Initiative making good progress despite Covid-19, says China's Foreign Minister

BEIJING: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been making good progress despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

He added the cooperation had maintained a sound momentum in the past two years with the completion of major projects such as the China‒Laos Railway and the new Port of Haifa in Israel.

Other projects including the China‒Pakistan Economic Corridor and Jakarta‒Bandung High Speed Rail were in smooth operation.

"The China‒Europe Railway Express reached new records in the number of freights and cargo services," Wang told a press conference here on Monday (March 7).

Responding to a question that the BRI had seemed to show a slowdown, hindered by the worldwide pandemic, Wang, however, did not elaborate on the matter.

Wang announced that 10 more countries have joined the BRI since last year, bringing the total number of members to 180.

"The BRI is moving forwards with more partners and brighter prospects.

"It is sure to bring developments and opportunities to the post-Covid-19 world," he said.

On Asean affairs, Wang said the country would continue to work closely with the region on joint production of vaccines and the research on key medicines, among others.

"We will ensure a smooth progress on the green lane for the movement of goods and people," he added.

He called on the 10 Asean nations to safeguard peace and stability in the region and not be used as "chess pieces" in geo-political rivalry.