By Feng Wei and Cheng Guoqiang, "One Belt and One Road" strategy research team, International Cooperation Department, the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)

Research report No 88, 2014 (Total No 4587)

Abstract:

The "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road," or "One Belt and One Road" for short, were concepts put forward by President Xi Jinping in September and October of 2013, which received intense attention from the international community. The concepts were highly appreciated by the international community as rich in significance and depth, showing the innovation of China’s global strategy. It could promote the economic development of countries as well as regional economic cooperation. It could enhance cultural exchanges and further promote mutual trust. It could deepen the relationships of cooperation to realize joint regional development. It will bring peace and stability in the region and fight the three forces of separatism, extremism and terrorism.

At the same time, some people in the world worried that the "One Belt and One Road" concept will challenge the current regional cooperation mechanism. Some scholars misunderstood the concept and meaning. Moreover, some people raised their concerns over the construction of the "One Belt and One Road," which they felt could face a strategic squeeze, uncertainties and risks.