China’s Belt and Road explained

RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN

Beijing is expanding its global influence via what some are calling a new “Silk Road.”

The Belt and Road project — which the Center for Strategic and International Studies says could cost anywhere between $1 trillion and $8 trillion — aims to connect trade between Asia, Africa and Europe with infrastructure that is built and paid for by China.

According to consulting firm Dezan Shira, the project’s financing mainly comes from Chinese state-owned investment funds and development banks, as well as the newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Depiction of Belt and Road initiative on globe
2. Depiction of how project is financed
3. Depiction of project, Xinjiang and regional security
4. Depiction of naval and financing concerns about project

VOICEOVER (in English):

“The Belt and Road project — which the Center for Strategic and International Studies says could cost anywhere between $1 trillion and $8 trillion — aims to connect trade between Asia, Africa and Europe with infrastructure that is built and paid for by China.”

“According to the consulting firm Dezan Shira & Associates, the project’s financing mainly comes from Chinese state-owned investment funds and development banks, as well as the newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.”

“The project also puts the stability of China and neighboring countries as a priority. This is tied to their fears of revolt from separatists in Xinjiang province.”

“The project also puts the stability of China and neighboring countries as a priority. This is tied to their fears of revolt from separatists in Xinjiang province.”

“China worries they could find a base of operation outside its borders, and are using the project as a means to leverage regional security cooperation.”

“China has already acquired a 40 year lease on a deep water port in Pakistan, as well as a naval-base in Djibouti. Future ports in Burma and Kenya may also hold promise for the country.”

“This has led some analysts, such as Professor of Strategic Studies at the New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research, Brahma Chellaney, to believe Beijing’s actual aim is to create a network of naval bases via its Belt and Road trade routes.”

SOURCES: Aisalyst, The Diplomat, Project Syndicate, European Council on Foreign Relations, Dezan Shira (Silk Road Briefing), Financial Times, People’s Daily (English), Center for Strategic & International Studies

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