The Belt and Road

WHAT IS "ONE BELT ONE ROAD"?

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, also known as The Belt and Road (abbreviated B&R), One Belt, One Road (abbreviated OBOR), or the Belt and Road Initiative is a development strategy and framework, proposed by Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping that focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily between the People's Republic of China and the rest of Eurasia, which consists of two main components, the land-based "Silk Road Economic Belt" (SREB) and oceangoing "Maritime Silk Road" (MSR). The strategy underlines China's push to take a bigger role in global affairs, and its need for priority capacity cooperation in areas such as steel manufacturing.

It was unveiled in September and October 2013 in announcements revealing the SREB and MSR, respectively. It was also promoted by Premier Li Keqiang during the State visit in Asia and Europe. It was the most frequently mentioned concept on People's Daily in 2016.

From China to Ukraine: The new Silk Road

  After the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, China has become the country’s increasingly important trading partner. Against the backdrop of its slowing economy, China is implementing an ambitious infrastructure project titled "Silk Road", designed to connect Europe and Asia economically. Ukraine could become a strategic part of this initiative.