Belt and Road Initiative Flashcards
Barebones: What is the purpose of the BRI?
Strengthening trade, infrastructure and investment links between China and an estimated 149 countries.
What does the “Road” refer to?
A web of interlinking shipping lanes running from mainland China through to southeast Asia, Africa and Europe
What does the “Belt” refer to?
The overland trade routes stretching from mainland China to the edge of Europe
What is the most tangible positive effect of the Belt and Road Initiative?
Developing infrastructure. Examples of this include the 3.2 Billion dollar railway system China constructed in Kenya, a $200 million dollar investment in a Sri Lankan airport. (The airport has been dubbed “emptiest airport” because its never used)
What is a hidden benefit of the Belt and Road Initiative for China?
Serves as a global marketing campaign for Chinese money and investment. Increases soft power.
Who is majorly responsible for the execution of the Belt and Road Initiative?
Chinese state owned businesses
As of 2019 The Belt and Road Initiative had 6 main ‘economic corridors’. Name at least 3.
China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor
New Eurasia Land Bridge Economic Corridor
China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor
China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor
What is the significance of the China-Pakistan economic corridor as opposed to all others?
It is the only economic corridor which only connects to a single country. All others are multinational.
What are the significant details of the China-Pakistan economic corridor?
- China reportedly promised 60 billion dollar investment in Pakistan, although experts say the figure is more likely closer to 20 billion.
- It links the far western Chinese region of Xinjiang to the Pakistani port city of Gwadar
- The trade route between these places also gives China access to different trade routes with energy giants in the Middle East and Africa
What are the potential dangers of the China-Pakistan economic corridor?
Pakistan’s economy is struggling to survive. China injects cash into the economy and boosts production + infrastructure. Pakistan’s development relies on Chinese cash. Opens up possibility of debt trap diplomacy.
