(BRF) Commentary: Will the Belt and Road Initiative cause clash of cultures?

From China, passing through the Islamic world, and ultimately to the West, will the Belt and Road bring a clash of cultures?

Nothing could be further for the underlying philosophy of the Belt and Road. The very essence of the initiative is that all nations, all cultures, all people and all civilizations are equal -- a spirit reflected through extensive consultation, joint contribution and the unequivocal statement and restatement that the benefits which the grand plan will bring are shared benefits, shared by all.

Since 2013, the initiative has won the support of more than 100 countries and organizations of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Each and every party enjoys an equal footing and an equal say.

The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is a place where everyone can sit together, contribute their wisdom and air their concerns.

As some Western countries build walls and slam their doors, the Belt and Road opens doors and builds roads. And bridges. And power stations, bringing power and empowerment to those who need it most.

Narrow-minded nationalism and a lack of understanding breed hatred and conflict, while communication, inclusiveness and trust are the enemies of nationalist narcissism.

Connectivity of infrastructure and facilities are nothing without people-to-people ties.

Along the Belt and Road, interactions have not only increased in trade and investment, but also in culture, education, science and technology, tourism and other areas.

A shared dream brings civilizations together.

The Belt and Road is a path toward a community of shared future for mankind. The sense of togetherness and sharing conveyed by the community are the building blocks of a world of harmony in diversity.

When the world cultures are involved in the pursuit of common prosperity with mutual respect, worries of a clash of cultures will be a thing of the past. Endi