The Marshall Plan helped establish the US as a superpower, but China is not interested in following in the US' footsteps.

While Western European countries had little say in the implementation of the Marshall Plan, China is stepping up policy consultation with its partners.

As President Xi Jinping said during a speech in Kazakhstan in September 2013, countries should have full and open discussions on developing strategies and policies, adopting plans and measures for advancing regional cooperation through consultations to seek common ground while setting aside differences. This is the best way for China and its partners to seek common development.

Besides, the old mode of the Marshall Plan cannot be applied in the era of globalization and economic interdependence.

It is not surprising for detractors to cast doubts on China's strategic motivation behind the initiatives, because they are novel concepts, especially for major powers. Based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, China and its partners are building road connections, and facilitating business, monetary circulation and better understanding between peoples at a fast pace.

And although there is no guarantee the modern initiatives will taste easy success, time will prove that they are different from the Marshall Plan in substance and that China's gain is not others' loss.

(China Daily 01/31/2015 page4)