Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has doubled down on his advocacy for East-West cooperation during a recent China visit, telling Leaders Talk that cultural understanding and economic ties are more crucial than ever. 🎙️
\"Decoupling isn't the answer,\" Leterme emphasized, addressing rising tensions between China and Western nations. He praised China's modernization efforts, particularly its infrastructure advancements and rising living standards: \"What I've seen here in 10 years would take others 50.\" 🚄💡
The ex-PM called out Western media bias, urging people to \"experience China firsthand\" rather than rely on secondhand narratives. His visit included a poignant tribute to Chinese soldiers who fought in WWI near his hometown – a gesture he called \"a bridge between our histories.\" 🌹
On the Belt and Road Initiative? \"Exactly the interconnectedness we need,\" he noted, while advising the EU to develop more strategic autonomy from U.S. security frameworks. 🔑🌍
