Source: CNTV    Published:  2015-10-13

It has taken just two years for the "One Belt One Road" initiatives to develop from a blueprint into implementation. The international and China`s domestic situations have changed dramatically in recent years and the initiatives have created a new development and diplomatic strategy for the nation.

The Silk Road was first coined by a German geographer and Orientalist, Richthofen in his book China. He wrote that the Silk Road nearly covered the whole Eurasian continent, referring to a cultural and economic exchange belt that started from China and extended to Europe to facilitate the silk trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping first proposed the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiatives in September, 2013, in order to project Beijing`s current reform and opening-up policy. Two months later, The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC (Communist Party of China) approved the plan to promote it.

the "One Belt One Road" known as the New Silk Road is expected to strengthen policy communications, road networks, boost trade, currency circulation; while seeking a common bond among Europeans, Asians as well as Africans. The core value is to accelerate economic prosperity via trade cooperation and cultural exchanges in the region.

The grand strategy can be perceived as an upgraded version of the ancient Silk Road to serve as an economic corridor that offers substantial development potential throughout the world.

The "Silk Road Economic Belt" traverses Asia, Europe and Africa with China as the origin, central Asia and Russia as the bridge, Europe as a foothold, and North Africa as an extension line. The "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" functions as the economic cooperation passageway running through the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and other coastal states and regions.

The "One Belt One Road" strategy covers dozens of countries and more than half of the earth`s population. The so-called "economic hollow" regions and countries located in the middle of the Eurasian continent would benefit as well.

The establishment of the Silk Road Funds and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) would demonstrate international cooperation as a pivotal factor to shape the outcome of the initiatives. The philosophy of "mutual benefits and win-win results" along with "forging a community of common interests and destinies" conforms to the spirit of our times, while Beijing has the strength to drive it forward.  

By Yang Jin  Associate researcher of Chinese Academy and Social Sciences