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China's 'Belt and Road' project is acknowledged to be the most ambitious geopolitical initiative of the modern era. More than any other, it symbolises a new phase in China's rise—the moment when Beijing embraces its role as a superpower, capable of remaking the world economy and attracting other countries to both its economic orbit and its ideological model. It is much clearer now just how rich and elaborate 'Belt and Road' truly is. It combines political, economic and cultural elements; covers about seventy countries by land and sea; and will affect every sector of the world economy, from shipping to agriculture, digital to tourism. Bruno Maçães traces this extraordinary initiative's history, evaluating its achievements to date and unveiling its staggering complexity. Scrutinising official statements, he sheds light on the almost maniacal ambition with which China pursues its project: to build an infrastructure corridor that will remake the world economy and leave Beijing the new centre of capitalism and globalisation. Finally, he asks whether 'Belt and Road' is simply about power projection and profit. Might it herald a new set of universal political values, to rival those of the West? Is it, in fact, the story of the century?
China's 'Belt and Road' project is acknowledged to be the most ambitious geopolitical initiative of the modern era. More than any other, it symbolises a new phase in China's rise—the moment when Beijing embraces its role as a superpower, capable of remaking the world economy and attracting other countries to both its economic orbit and its ideological model. It is much clearer now just how rich and elaborate 'Belt and Road' truly is. It combines political, economic and cultural elements; covers about seventy countries by land and sea; and will affect every sector of the world economy, from shipping to agriculture, digital to tourism. Bruno Maçães traces this extraordinary initiative's history, evaluating its achievements to date and unveiling its staggering complexity. Scrutinising official statements, he sheds light on the almost maniacal ambition with which China pursues its project: to build an infrastructure corridor that will remake the world economy and leave Beijing the new centre of capitalism and globalisation. Finally, he asks whether 'Belt and Road' is simply about power projection and profit. Might it herald a new set of universal political values, to rival those of the West? Is it, in fact, the story of the century?