Exclusive | Can China really take the high road with its big, bold infrastructure plan?

Amid growing criticism of his belt and road plan, Chinese president says he wants it to be ‘anchored by international standards and norms’, but Beijing’s big promises are nothing new, analysts say

The difficulty is finding a set of standards that keeps Western nations happy but can be realistically applied in developing nations

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Published: 8:30pm, 5 May 2019Updated: 8:36pm, 5 May 2019

When Chinese President Xi Jinping made a commitment last weekend to ensure his pet “Belt and Road Initiative” operated in line with international norms and standards it was widely seen as a response to mounting suspicion and criticism of the multibillion-dollar trade and infrastructure scheme.

While it was unusual for him to address such concerns so publicly, his closing speech at the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing was intended to do much more than appease the critics, analysts said. Indeed, it sent a strong message that China is prepared to shift its focus from investment to governance, and adapt its whole approach to the contentious programme.

“We will actively seek to be anchored by widely accepted international standards and norms,” Xi told 37 state leaders and senior officials from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. “We will adhere to the people-centred development concept and pursue harmony in economic development, society and the environment.”

A joint communique issued after the summit also pledged to bring the scheme “in line with our national legislation, regulatory frameworks, international obligations, applicable international norms and standards”.

The statement, signed by Xi and the 37 dignitaries – including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte – also emphasised the need for financial sustainability, pollution control and cooperation in fighting corruption.

Since its launch in 2013, the belt and road scheme, which seeks to boost connectivity across Asia and into Europe, Africa, Latin America and beyond, has attracted 126 partner countries and 29 international organisations.