Belt-road changes world order

Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on April 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / GREG BAKER

China’s ambitious economic plan is set to draw up a new global paradigm with countries seeking to engage the Middle Kingdom.

WHEN the ambitious Belt and Road initiative – with projects reportedly worth US$1 trillion – was first announced by President Xi Jinping in the autumn of 2013, many were sceptical of this Chinese move aimed at building up economic connectivity of 65 nations (China plus 64) along its ancient silk road and maritime routes.