Inspired by and modeled on the ancient Silk Road, the Beijing-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is meant to bring countries together again via infrastructure and trade links. For Beijing, it is not only an antidote to the rising tide against globalization, but also a means to create a community of shared interests and responsibilities, according to a China Daily editorial.

From Madrid to Buenos Aires to Panama City to Lisbon, as he has done on nearly every other stop on his recent overseas trips, President Xi Jinping has tirelessly promoted the building of a community of shared future for mankind, and the Belt and Road Initiative as a means to achieve that.

But not everyone sees it that way. While some countries have been quick to see the positive potentials of the Belt and Road and how they can benefit from it, there are some who insist on viewing it more warily.

It was a timely and apt reminder that Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has reminded EU decision-makers of his country's desire for foreign investment, and advised the latter to avoid taking "the path of protectionism".

In the face of the difficulties and challenges in today's world, China and the countries that have embraced the Belt and Road are convinced it is the way to common development and lasting peace and stability in the world, the editorial said.