Interview: China's call for open, interconnected cooperation paradigm boosts Asia-Pacific sustainability -- expert

BISHKEK, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's advocate for building an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation helps strengthen multilateral ties and promote sustainable development across the region, a Kyrgyz political scientist has said.

China's call rejects geopolitical confrontation and is in favor of inclusive, green and innovative growth, Kubanychbek Taabaldiev, a professor at Kyrgyzstan's Ala-Too International University, told Xinhua as this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting opened in Gyeongju, South Korea.

"China's voice is particularly relevant in the face of global economic and environmental challenges," he said, noting that given China's growing global influence, its proposals are drawing increasing attention and respect throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

In the eyes of Taabaldiev, China's concrete actions, including facilitating infrastructure and supporting digital and green transformation in the region, have demonstrated its consistent commitment to this concept.

Also, China advocates for trade liberalization, the reduction of tariff barriers, and the strengthening of supply chains, which contribute to the stability and predictability of the regional economy, the expert added.

The recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) adopted by the recently concluded fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee stated that China will continue to expand opening-up at the institutional level, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and share opportunities with the rest of the world and promote common development.

Regarding the document, the expert said China is expected to continue to strengthen its position internationally and deepen multilateral and bilateral ties based on openness through institutional reforms.

He also expressed the belief that "China will remain a significant economic driver and a source of investment."

China's continuous openness and inclusiveness could have a positive impact on the region and in such areas as the digital economy, renewable energy and logistics, he said.

"This will strengthen the foundation for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole," he noted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in China's Tianjin this year.

The expert said the initiative "is especially important for Asia-Pacific countries, as the region encompasses diverse political systems, varying levels of economic development and different strategic interests."

"In the context of growing unilateralism and protectionism, this initiative offers an alternative model -- one based on dialogue, mutual respect and joint decision-making," he said.

The initiative could become a foundation for deeper cooperation in many areas such as digital regulation, environmental protection, stable supply chains and joint crisis response, he said, noting that it encourages Asia-Pacific economies to pool their efforts in countering the fragmentation of the global economy. ■