By Busayo Onijala

 

A new book, Chinese Imprints on World Currency, highlights China’s growing global partnerships and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

 

 

 

Launched on Monday in Beijing, the book showcases 121 coins and banknotes from 58 countries marking key Chinese-built infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, described the book as a tribute to the nation’s contributions and efforts toward a shared future for humanity.

 

 

 

“This collection highlights the achievements of Chinese enterprises and our commitment to a more connected and prosperous world,” Hong stated.

 

 

 

He added that through global infrastructure efforts, China promotes peace, prosperity, and long-term international cooperation.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book reflects three themes: large-scale construction, environmental protection, and diplomatic collaboration.

 

 

 

Author Du Xiaojian expressed pride in China’s impact and growing recognition on the global stage through cooperation and shared development.

 

 

 

“With China’s achievements and vision, the world becomes more deeply connected,” Du said during his address.

 

 

 

A key feature is the global currency collection showcasing infrastructure built by Chinese companies.

 

 

 

For instance, Jamaica’s 5,000-dollar banknote features the North-South highway, built by China Harbour Engineering Company.

 

 

 

Croatia’s 25-kuna 2022 commemorative coin displays the Pelješac Bridge, constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

 

 

 

The bridge represents the largest transportation project since diplomatic ties were established between China and Croatia.

 

 

 

Sri Lanka’s 20-rupee note celebrates the Colombo Port project, jointly undertaken with China under the BRI.

 

 

 

CCCC President Wang Haihuai said the Colombo Port City project will generate 140,000 direct jobs, boosting Sri Lanka’s economy.

 

 

 

CCCC, one of China’s top international contractors, has worked in 158 countries, executing over 18 major global infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

Wang emphasised that these developments are more than physical works; they are economic lifelines for host nations.

 

 

 

“The appearance of Chinese-built infrastructure on world currency shows win-win cooperation and honours Chinese enterprise,” Wang remarked.

 

 

 

He added that these currencies symbolise China’s tangible investments and the mutual respect between partner countries.

 

 

 

Beyond infrastructure, Chinese firms also support education and talent development globally.

 

 

 

With nearly 90,000 overseas staff, CCCC has created thousands of jobs and sponsored over 400 students to study in China.

 

 

 

Wang noted that investing in people ensures lasting benefits for partner nations and their projects.

 

 

 

The event also reaffirmed China’s diplomatic values of peace, mutual respect, and non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs.

 

 

 

President Xi Jinping’s vision of multilateralism and inclusive development was echoed throughout the launch.

 

 

 

As China expands globally through the BRI, Global Development Initiative, and Global Security Initiative, the book highlights its leadership role.

 

 

 

NAN also reports that ambassadors from over 10 countries, including Sri Lanka and Egypt, attended the ceremony.

 

 

 

The envoys praised the BRI’s impact and pledged to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with China. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Oropo