By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING, (Reuters) –China will work with the United States to develop a global infrastructure plan under G7 leadership and welcomed Washington’s participation in its Belt and Road Initiative. This was said by Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister.

In June, the Group of Seven (G7) wealthiest democracies (US and allies) proposed the Build back Better World (B3W), an initiative to assist developing countries with their infrastructure needs as they sought to combat China’s increasing influence.

Wang stated in a video message that he was willing to coordinate with the U.S.’s ‘Build Back Better World” initiative, to supply the world more quality public goods. Wang made the remarks at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary Shanghai Communique. The Shanghai Communique marked normalisation of relations between China and the United States.

He stated that China was also open for the United States to participate in the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), and the Global Development Initiative. This is a request by Xi Jinping, the Chinese president in September to all countries to strive towards sustainable development.

G7’s B3W Initiative is a viable alternative to China’s BRI initiative, launched in 2013 by Xi. Over 100 countries signed deals with China for cooperation in BRI projects such as railways, ports and highways.

Wang asked Washington to join China’s Asia-Pacific region to create a family of openness and inclusiveness that fosters innovation, growth and connectivity, rather than fostering conflict and confrontation.

He said that the Shanghai Communique was a document that marked the end to isolation between China and America. It was issued on Richard Nixon’s historic trip to China.

Wang reiterated his call to the United States for an end to its support of Taiwan independence. Taiwan is an island China has claimed as its sovereign.