Heine Unpacks President Xi’s 2024
In the wake of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s annual New Year message, a recent broadcast on The Heat, CGTN America’s flagship talk show, brought together insightful discussions on China’s future, featuring Ambassador Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future. Alongside other experts such as Victor Gao, Chair Professor at Soochow University; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute and Founder and Chair of Asia Narratives; and Yan Liang, Chair Professor in Economics at Willamette University, Heine delved into the prospects for China in 2024 and the collaborative efforts with Latin America.
Heine emphasized China’s significant contribution to electric mobility in the region, citing the success of BYD’s 1500 electric buses in Santiago, making a substantial impact on reducing pollution and enhancing energy efficiency. BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese multinational corporation that specializes in electric vehicles, battery energy storage, and renewable energy solutions. Founded in 1995, BYD has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries in the world. The company is known for its innovative approach to green technology and sustainable transportation.
Moreover, Heine touched upon the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting Chile’s active participation in the BRI International Cooperation forum. He highlighted the positive developments in Latin America-China relations in 2023, with 22 countries signing agreements on BRI projects. He also commented on the BRI’s role in addressing Latin America’s infrastructure deficits, estimated at $150 billion annually, offering opportunities to improve connectivity and boost economic growth.
Heine expressed optimism about the BRI’s future, emphasizing a shift toward sustainable and high-quality projects in 2024. He acknowledged the importance of BRI in fostering stability for real development, particularly during turbulent global times.
In his words,
“The BRI represents a different conception of economic development, emphasizing infrastructure and connectivity as key drivers of growth. It has worked in China, and it will work in other countries if they embrace it.”
As China continues to collaborate with Latin American countries, Heine’s insights shed light on the transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative in the region.
For those interested in the full segment of this insightful discussion, you can watch it on The Heat’s YouTube channel.