The Belt and Road Initiative: How China Hopes to Reshape Global Infrastructure and Influence

This research focuses on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, a transformative push by the rising power to make leaps in covering the deficit in infrastructure investment that has plagued Eurasia for decades. It examines the two main portions of the planned developments, the Silk Road Economic Belt that spans the Eurasian landmass and the 21^st Century Maritime Silk Road which includes a string of ports on the maritime route from China to Western Europe. Both the number of and type of projects are discussed, as well as the financing mechanisms China has put in place to make these megaprojects possible for smaller nations. Importantly, the potential for debt traps are discussed, including examples in which debt trap diplomacy has already been utilized among BRI projects. The research also explores the larger geopolitical implications of the Chinese investment program. The BRI represents a tectonic shift in Chinese foreign policy, seeking to propel itself onto the international stage as opposed to the previous doctrine of ‘hide our strength, bide our time.’ By extending China’s economic reach across the Eurasian landmass and sea routes, it seeks to cement its geopolitical presence. As if playing the ancient game of Wei-Shi, China is strategically placing its stones around its geopolitical contenders, such as India and Europe.