With the advent of 21st century,world multi-polarization, economic globalization, regional integration, cultural diversity and technological transformation have formed unstoppable trends across the whole world, with countries increasingly interdependent and interconnected with each other. Facing the profound challenges around the world, President Xi Jinping proposed the“One Belt and One Road"(OBOR) Initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance and the cooperation prospect along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The Initiative received a high degree of attention and positive responses globally.
Historically, the ancient Silk Road has made great contributions to promoting the exchanges and cooperation between different countries and cultures. Thanks to the mutual exchange of goods and learning of advanced culture along the ancient Silk Road, civilization has greatly moved forward, composing an everlasting chapter of friendship that shines through the ages.2000-year cultural exchange has proven that, by adhering to unity and mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit, tolerance and mutual learning, and win-win cooperation, countries with different racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds can share peace and common development. Think tanks have played an increasingly prominent role in planning for development blueprints, and promoting win-win cooperation and friendly exchanges between countries. As a vital medium of foreign relations, the cooperation between think tanks has become an important element influencing the world's political, economic, cultural and social progress. To better advance the Initiative comprehensively, new models of think tanks remain to be explored, in order to find new ways for comprehensive and pragmatic cooperation,to constantly improve the mechanism of mutual cooperation, and further promote extensive exchanges and cooperation between think tanks, thus providing intellectual support for the development of friendly relationship between the countries.
In April 2013, President Xi Jinping, made important instructions on the development of new think tanks, which has enhanced the development of think tanks to the national strategic level and defined think tanks as an important part of soft power of China.In January 2015,the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of New Types of Think Tanks, which represents the top-level design for the development of new types of think tanks.Research and Development International,Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS-RDI)emerged against this background.
As a new international think tank platform, CASS-RDI, with the principle of joint discussion, common development and mutual sharing, has integrated various resources from domestic and foreign political parties, governments, parliaments, think tanks, businesses, financial institutions, social organizations, trade associations, international organizations, etc., to promote research and development of major international projects, advance the realization of theoretical and methodological innovation, organize interdisciplinary and multi-perspective researches, and strive to put forward ideas of practical significance and political insights. Since its establishment in April 2015, CASS-RDI has made remarkable achievements regarding the OBOR Initiative, the development of diplomatic relationships, the enhancement of soft power of China, and the facilitation of enterprises' global outreach, thus setting up an example for exploring the development of new think tanks.
Currently, the OBOR Initiative is at the critical stage of comprehensive development. RDI will continue to seize the opportunity to ensure the active promotion of the OBOR Initiative. I sincerely hope that,RDI,together with think tanks from other countries, may conduct joint research on issues including the OBOR Initiative, to jointly promote cooperation by mutual learning and constant innovation, so as to contribute our strength and wisdom to the prosperity and development of the world's economy and civilization. The realization of RDI dream will significantly contribute to realizing the dream of China and the world, which remains the mission and pursuit of RDI. I firmly believe that we will createa better future for mankind with our joint efforts.
Weiguang Wang
President,
China Academy of Social Sciences
February 19,2016