Cooperation puts world on path to peace and prosperity

Shaukat Aziz, former prime minister of Pakistan

Xi is a powerful leader who is passionate about improving China and the world, and the future of the Chinese people. He is clearly a world-class leader and a man of peace, and China is fortunate to have a strong leader who is interested in change and improvement.

What's the significance of the 19th CPC National Congress? What are your expectations?

The Communist Party of China's National Congress is a major event for China and happens only once every five years. The world knows about this conference and is watching attentively to see what the outcome is. China's impact, presence and importance in the world have grown extensively because of its reforms, economic growth, geopolitical and diplomatic clout, and its membership of the United Nations Security Council, which gives China a big role in global affairs. Since Xi became the top leader, China's importance and its global brand have expanded and developed. Now China is a major global player, and the world wants to know Xi's views.

What do you think of the Belt and Road Initiative?

The initiative is an excellent concept that shows China's desire to help its neighbors and other countries build connectivity, interdependency and links for global development and peace. Because China is a member of the UN Security Council, through bilateral actions it can influence the world in a positive way. So I believe the initiative is a game changer for the world, and certainly for the countries along the Belt and Road.

Why do you think this initiative is so important?

The United States, China, Russia and the European Union are the four main centers in the world, but other centers are emerging. So countries need to look beyond their borders, and look holistically at challenges and opportunities. If nations can work together, we can avoid any potential disputes and look at positive remedies.

China's growth and strength will make the world stronger. This is an excellent example of a developing country becoming more important in terms of geography, security, economics and human development issues. This places a lot of responsibility on the country, but that's a healthy development.

What is China's role on the global stage?

China is clearly at the center of the global stage. The US, Russia, China and Europe all play major roles. The US plays a greater role than the others, as it has a long history of global involvement. Sometimes, there is agreement and sometimes disagreement, which is healthy.

Has this shift accelerated in the past five years?

The shift has been gradual, but now it's maturing, and in time China's role will increase. And it is a most decisive role. It's not just about security and trade, there are also issues of human development. Looking at Asia, China has a major role to play. The Belt and Road Initiative is going to benefit the region around China. Asia will be the biggest beneficiary. Eventually, it will go beyond Asia to Africa and Europe. So the emergence of China is good for the world.

Do you believe other players will shoulder their global responsibility?

Any time you have a country like China coming on the scene, the world benefits. There are more players. The US has a unique role, and China is becoming more prominent, and that's healthy. Russia remains a major global power. Europe, of course, has a role because many countries in Europe have links with other nations around the world, and that gives them an insight that some others may not have. And then there are emerging countries looking for recognition.