Position and role of Yunnan in China's westward opening-up strategy

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative is an inevitable choice as Chinese economy transforms towards "new normal" and a critical strategic plan as China carries out the all-directional opening up westward. After 30 years of reforms and opening-up, China's economic achievements have attracted worldwide attention. However, the three-decade-long rapid growth, at the cost of environment while supported by benefits of policy and demographic dividend, has worn out its momentum. In the economic new normal, how China can breach the barrier and secure a future of heathy, ordered and sustainable development is a fundamental issue of great realistic and historical significance. Standing at a historical turning point and on the right course set by the 18th CPC National Congress, the people of China look towards the future while considering the reality as they made the critical choice to carry out the all-directional opening-up campaign. Through strategic moves such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China's macro economy will enter the international market full-scale as well as actively participate in international cooperation and competition. Chinese economy will propel and contribute to world economy in globalization while promoting healthy development of domestic economy so as to achieve mutual benefit as well as worldwide peace and development. In light of this strategy, president Xi Jinping, during his visit to Yunnan in 2015, defined Yunnan as: A province that will forwardly participate and serve national strategies by establishing itself as a bridge connecting China to south and southeast Asia. This definition pointed Yunnan in the right direction and gave the province an established goal and position.