China's role in helping other nations offers example for all

Khalid Taimur Akram

Executive Director

Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future

In today's evolving world, countries are enhancing their sphere of cooperation and formulating open foreign policies with neighboring countries and beyond. China is only one of a few states that have acquired respect in the comity of countries and international politics due to grand reforms or robust strategies.

China can be taken as a role model for assisting countries around the world in tackling common challenges with a shared approach and enhancing economic connectivity.

Undoubtedly, during the last decade, the grand narratives－building a community with a shared future for mankind and dialogue among civilizations, along with the Belt and Road Initiative－have provided new impetus to the idea of global assistance and helping weak states.

With visionary statesman Xi Jinping as its leader, the Communist Party of China, with its practical appraisal of transforming the socioeconomic and political dynamics of the global community, has promoted integration and joint collaboration and has expanded assistance to others in need in every possible way.

China's humanitarian assistance has undergone significant changes in recent years, such as substantial increases in humanitarian spending and institutional reforms vis-a-vis promoting regional cooperation. Helping more than 50 countries with free vaccinations is indeed an action worth praising. China's timely assistance has substantially improved and enhanced regional and global outreach. China is seen as responsible and an active participant in global governance.

Among global challenges, China has been more active in areas related to climate change, trade, and economic development and has placed humanitarian affairs on the periphery of its diplomatic work.

Sustainable economic development, technological transformation, advanced infrastructure development, and maintaining good relations with other countries clearly show that China is moving in the right direction.

China's role in fostering regional cooperation, resolving the Afghan crisis, and providing humanitarian aid remains the major factor of its humanitarian strategy. The visionary leadership has played a proactive role in providing a negotiation platform for Afghanistan's Taliban government and other regional stakeholders.

To help Afghanistan resolve its humanitarian crisis, the Chinese government has been among the earliest donors to extend aid to the country. China donated core relief supplies through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It has also helped the displaced, returnees and host communities in Afghanistan as it braced for the harsh winter.

Furthermore, Chinese civil authorities have boosted emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghan families to help relieve the most acute domestic humanitarian crises. In February, a group of Chinese philanthropists launched a fundraising campaign to buy foodstuffs for distribution to at-risk families, especially those of doctors and teachers in Kabul and Kandahar province. The effort has helped at least 400 local workers in the education and health sectors.

Moreover, the Chinese government has extended aid, including food and COVID-19 vaccines, to Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban government assumed power in August, the country's international reserves have remained frozen. The banking system is malfunctioning, along with exacerbated famine and severe drought due to a lack of local funds. In this crucial time, China has emerged as a ray of hope, with its colossal assistance and goodwill.

It is noteworthy that China recently held a series of multinational meetings along with regional partners in Tunxi, Anhui province, to discuss the economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. In the resulting assertions and agreements, building a community with a shared future for mankind, an idea proposed by President Xi, has grown by leaps and bounds.

Thus, increasing China's regional and global outreach goes well with achieving humanitarian assistance for the needy, as well as benefiting humankind in general.

For original report, please view: http://www.chinadailyglobal.com/a/202204/07/WS624e3bfea310fd2b29e5575f.html