Not long ago, under the European Parliament, the highest authority representing public opinion under the European political system, a committee dedicated to the "the Belt and Road" initiative was established: the "the Belt and Road" Policy Communication Committee. To let Europeans know about China is what the convener of this committee, the chairman of the EU China Friendship Association, Nejay Deva, has been doing for many years.
Deva told reporters in Nandu that the original intention of the establishment of the committee was to learn from Europe's experience in helping other countries develop, and better help the construction of the "the Belt and Road".
Dewa was born in Sri Lanka in 1948, and later went to Britain to study and work. In 1992, he was elected a member of the British House of Commons, and in 1999, he was elected a member of the European Parliament, and has been re elected for many times. He has deep feelings for his hometown and even Asia, especially for China. In Beijing Olympic Games, Shanghai World Expo, Wenchuan earthquake and other events of national concern, Dewar was not absent.
Deva told Nandu that it took the Association 15 to 20 years to make the European Parliament understand that China is the largest and most important trade partner of the EU. According to Chinese customs data, in 2017, the bilateral trade volume between China and the EU was 616.92 billion US dollars. "This is a huge number," he sighed. "The trade between the two countries has created thousands of jobs."
On the other hand, Deva believes that it is nonsense to regard China as a major threat. "Throughout China's thousands of years of history, it has never invaded other countries, but European countries have established many colonies." He pointed out that Europe should look at China with a new perspective, rather than imposing its own history on China, or it will naturally be hostile to China.
On March 26, the "the Belt and Road" Policy Communication Committee was announced to be established in Strasbourg, France, under the convening of Deva.
The reporter from Nandu learned that the committee members are mainly members of the European Parliament who respond to and support the "the Belt and Road" initiative, including former presidents, former prime ministers and former prime ministers of EU countries, aiming to promote the "the Belt and Road" initiative and expand relevant cooperation in the European region under the framework of the initiative by strengthening communication and coordination with China.
Last month, Italy and Luxembourg, two EU countries, joined the the Belt and Road Initiative. Some people think that this is a revolutionary and pragmatic initiative, but there are also some puzzling voices. Deva said firmly, "I think it's great!" Expressed his views.
For Europe, the "the Belt and Road" has opened a huge market between China and Europe, providing a window for trade and service exchanges between the two countries. "This is mutual benefit and win-win", Dewar emphasized. He told reporters in Nandu that he also hoped that France would join in, and he thought it would.
Deva is not surprised by the negative attacks from some western countries. However, he made it clear that "we hope to cooperate with China to help the world 'get back on track'."
Deva also raised his expectations for the "the Belt and Road". He mentioned that many places along the "the Belt and Road" have very steep terrain and complex political background, and the development is extremely uneven, covering more than 4 billion people.
However, his attitude is optimistic. "If we can land on the moon, dive and make stars, we will certainly help these people, so that they can one day enjoy the same standard of living as China or Europe." He proposed that the construction of the "the Belt and Road" must pay attention to the security issues in these regions, and help them develop before ensuring security.
