View the 'Belt and Road' initiative as a great 'Social Project': Sinologist

Do you know the "Road and Belt" initiative brought up by president Xi Jinping in 2013? What's your take on that?

The "Belt and Road" initiative is great, and the pledges that the Chinese government have made are promising. I think it is important not to see the project only as one that enhances trade and investment, but also as more of a great ‘Social Project' across continents. I believe only that increased interaction and mutual understanding of each others' differences and similarities can make the more concrete elements such as building roads and highways into a successful venture. The civilizational element of the project should therefore not be underestimated.

In your opinion, what are the historical and practical significances for China to put forward such a development strategy at such a time?

The historical significance is obviously linked to the former Silk and Porcelain Roads over land that used to transport products and good from China into more western parts of the world and vice versa. I believe the historical legacy is to some extend rightfully used to enhance the image and appeal of the "Belt and Road" initiative but we should not forget that the scale of the current initiative is vaster, and is likely to have a more profound impact on economies, trade and people to people exchanges. The practical significance is linked to China's desire to increase its global trade and investment, and use the overcapacity of some of its industries elsewhere. Other than that a lot of countries along the "Belt and Road" are in dire need of infrastructure and better transport links, I believe the "Belt and Road" and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB) can answer to the call of these countries.

The China threat theory has been around for many years, though China has been claiming that it is a "peaceful rise". What signals do the "Belt and Road" initiative send to the world?

Overall I think the "Belt and Road" initiative is a welcomed in a positive manner, this does not mean that there are some reservations amongst scholars and journalists. Some believe it is a first attempt for China to establish a ‘Chinese World Order' counter to that of the United States and former European colonial powers. Others believe it is merely and economic venture that will benefit Chinese SOE's and private companies in industries where domestic overcapacity is present (e.g infrastructure). The "Belt and Road" still has to take shape, but I see it as a very positive gesture and move of the Chinese government to assist countries along the "Belt and Road" and in a joint effort work on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure and economic integration.