The Origin of the Belt and Road Initiative
Release date:
2017-09-22
General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Strategic Vision: On September 7, 2013, Xi Jinping delivered a speech at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, stating: "To foster closer economic ties among nations, deepen mutual cooperation, and unlock broader development opportunities, we can embrace innovative models of collaboration. Together, we will build the 'Silk Road Economic Belt,' expanding from specific points to broader regions, connecting lines into cohesive areas, and gradually fostering large-scale regional cooperation." On October 3, 2013, President Xi addressed Indonesia’s Parliament, declaring: "China is committed to strengthening maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries, making effective use of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund established by the Chinese government, and cultivating robust maritime partnerships. Together, we will jointly build the 21st-century 'Maritime Silk Road.'" On May 21, 2014, during his keynote speech at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Xi emphasized: "China will work hand-in-hand with all countries to accelerate the development of the 'Silk Road Economic Belt' and the '21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.' We will promptly launch the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, deepen our engagement in regional cooperation initiatives, and promote mutually reinforcing progress toward both development and security in Asia." At the Dialogue on Strengthening the Partnership for Connectivity on November 8, 2014, Xi underscored that the joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road are deeply intertwined with connectivity—acting as the vital arteries that sustain and enhance these ambitious initiatives. He likened the Belt and Road Initiative to two powerful wings propelling Asia’s rise, while highlighting that connectivity serves as the essential circulatory system ensuring their success. In his speech titled "Connectivity Leads Development, Partners Focus on Cooperation," Xi articulated five key principles: First, prioritize Asian nations as the main focus, taking the lead in achieving regional connectivity across the continent. The Belt and Road Initiative was conceived in Asia, rooted in Asia, and designed to benefit Asia. China stands ready to provide more public goods to its Asian neighbors through enhanced connectivity, inviting everyone to join the "Chinese train" of development. Second, leverage economic corridors as the backbone to establish a comprehensive framework for Asian connectivity. The initiative addresses the diverse needs of participating countries, seamlessly integrating land and maritime routes, covering a wide range of sectors with remarkable inclusiveness and far-reaching impact. Third, focus on transportation infrastructure as the cornerstone for early-stage gains in regional connectivity, prioritizing the implementation of railway and road projects linking China with its neighboring countries. Fourth, use the establishment of financing platforms as a catalyst to overcome bottlenecks hindering connectivity across Asia. China has committed $40 billion to set up the Silk Road Fund, which is open and welcoming to investors from both within and beyond Asia. Fifth, strengthen people-to-people exchanges as the foundation for building a solid social base for connectivity in Asia. Over the next five years, China plans to offer 20,000 training opportunities in connectivity-related fields to countries in the region. On November 11, 2014, during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Xi put forward the vision of establishing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). The meeting also adopted the "Beijing Roadmap for Advancing the FTAAP in the Asia-Pacific Region."
Consensus has been reached. The "Blueprint for Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area Connectivity" is expected to be released to the public as one of the four annexes to the Leaders' Meeting Declaration. In terms of physical connectivity, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other approaches will be leveraged to enhance infrastructure financing, with a focus on developing and upgrading critical infrastructure—including transportation, information and communication technologies, and energy systems. On the institutional front, efforts will address key areas such as trade facilitation, structural and regulatory reforms, and improvements in transport and logistics efficiency. By 2020, the goal is to reduce business costs across economies by 25% and boost trade efficiency and convenience by another 25%. [6] Meanwhile, on December 16, 2014, the "Belgrade Initiative for China-Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation" was launched, paving the way for the development of a "Mid-term Cooperation Plan between China and CEECs." [7] On August 17, 2016, General Secretary Xi Jinping outlined eight key requirements for advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. [8]
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