2017年CRI NZ envoy to China reaffirms support for Belt and Road Initiative

 

John McKinnon, Ambassador of New Zealand to China [Photo provided by New Zealand Embassy in Beijing]

The first Belt and Road Forum¹ for International Cooperation concluded in Beijing on Monday with a broader consensus² reached among China and participating countries and organizations.

In an Interview with China Radio International, New Zealand's Ambassador to China, Mr. John McKinnon, reaffirmed his country's support for the Belt and Road Initiative and against the rise of anti-globalism and protectionism.

McKinnon said he believes the Belt and Road Forum brings opportunities, coordination³ and cooperation among a variety of country and regions, including New Zealand. "It is an important occasion for New Zealand to meet other countries, to hear widespread views and to follow up our responsibilities on certain area," said McKinnon.

With a perceived growing tendency towards anti-globalization and protectionism within a number of countries, McKinnon says the government of New Zealand believes the "Belt and Road Initiative creates "moves towards international liberal trading order, toward anti-protectionism and globalization".

New Zealand was one of the first industrialized countries to openly support the Belt and Road Initiative. New Zealand already has a leading role in working with China among the advanced economies. New Zealand was one of the first developed countries to launch plans to upgrade its existing FTA agreement, as well as one of the first to fully⁴ acknowledge China's full market economy status. New Zealand is also a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure⁵ Investment Bank.

"Our country is not large economy. We make policy decision more straight forward which allows us to respond more rapidly than others to new development and new initiative. Becoming a founder⁶ member of the AIIB has reflected the approach that we treat the Belt and Road Initiative, because New Zealand can see the values and opportunities and ways to broadening cooperation and coordination among the great variety of countries" said McKinnon.

2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand. "Our relationship has moved a long way since 1972. And particularly since 2008 when we signed the Free Trade Agreement, China has become one of New Zealand's leading political and economic partners," said McKinnon.

McKinnon also noted⁷ that Premier⁸ Li Keqiang's visit to New Zealand in March, 2017 saw the two sides launch a number of new programs and projects. More are expected to be signed through the Belt and Road Initiative.

1 forum   

n.论坛，讨论会

参考例句：

• They're holding a forum on new ways of teaching history.他们正在举行历史教学讨论会。
• The organisation would provide a forum where problems could be discussed.这个组织将提供一个可以讨论问题的平台。

2 consensus   

n.(意见等的)一致，一致同意，共识

参考例句：

• Can we reach a consensus on this issue?我们能在这个问题上取得一致意见吗？
• What is the consensus of opinion at the afternoon meeting?下午会议上一致的意见是什么？

3 coordination   

n.协调，协作

参考例句：

• Gymnastics is a sport that requires a considerable level of coordination.体操是一项需要高协调性的运动。
• The perfect coordination of the dancers and singers added a rhythmic charm to the performance.舞蹈演员和歌手们配合得很好，使演出更具魅力。

4 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

5 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

6 Founder   

n.创始者，缔造者

参考例句：

• He was extolled as the founder of their Florentine school.他被称颂为佛罗伦萨画派的鼻祖。
• According to the old tradition,Romulus was the founder of Rome.按照古老的传说，罗穆卢斯是古罗马的建国者。

7 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

8 premier   

adj.首要的；n.总理，首相

参考例句：

• The Irish Premier is paying an official visit to Britain.爱尔兰总理正在对英国进行正式访问。
• He requested that the premier grant him an internview.他要求那位总理接见他一次。