In a recent exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University shared his insights on China’s development and global cooperation.
Professor Sachs said he has personally witnessed China’s remarkable progress over the past 44 years and has studied its economy for four decades. His confidence in China stems from a lifetime of personal engagement and professional experience. According to him, China’s development has surpassed earlier expectations, and his optimism is grounded in solid evidence and professional analysis.
He observed that China’s technological advancement in global competition has caused concern among some Americans. Instead of fostering healthy competition, the U.S. has chosen a path of containment, which he described as “a very foolish notion.” “The U.S. cannot contain China,” he said. “China’s economy is vast, and it is now the leading trade partner for nearly 150 countries. It stands at the forefront of technology and possesses a vibrant innovation ecosystem. All of this proves that the U.S. should strengthen its own innovation capacity and cooperate with China. We must abandon the misguided thinking of containment and stop such policies.”
Professor Sachs criticized the current U.S. tariff policies, calling them counterproductive. He argued that protectionism cannot drive innovation or progress. Under artificial barriers, industries tend to become complacent. “They may survive in local markets,” he explained, “but it’s very difficult for them to become truly competitive in the global market.”
He also emphasized the importance of Europe adopting an independent foreign policy. For the past 30 years, Europe has been constrained by U.S. influence. “The United States has shaped Europe’s foreign and security policies and even dictated decisions about Western wars, leaving Europe with little say,” he noted. “Europe must unite if it wants to achieve anything significant. With a population of 450 million and an economy worth $20 trillion, a united Europe can become a major global force.”
Professor Sachs further described China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as “a remarkable and visionary project.” He believes the idea of connectivity embedded in the BRI can bring enormous benefits to participating countries. China has made great efforts to enhance global connectivity through this initiative. He suggested that Europe should cooperate with China in this area. “Europe’s Global Gateway plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative should work hand in hand to jointly rebuild the 21st-century Silk Road,” he said.
Source: Swarna, Hashim, and Lili – China Media Group (CMG).