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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.
