Do you think the "Belt and Road" initiative will enhance the appeal of the Chinese culture, and why? What part of the Chinese culture has universal appeal that is worthy of spreading to the world?

I do hope the initiative will enhance the cultural appeal of China. Its rich history deserves more attention and harbors plenty of lessons for people around the world. I think some of the classic Chinese philosophies such as Daoism and Confucianism contain some elements that could inspire people around the world, especially when it comes to such things as compassion, humbleness, and the dangers of materialism. I feel a lot of societies are very individualistic and if we want to drive the forces of urbanization and globalization into a constructive and sustainable direction we need to learn to be compassionate and take care of each other. I do hope that the increased interaction and exchanges that will be brought about by the "Belt and Road" will lend a helping hand in achieving this.

How should we interpret the significance of "one belt and one road"?

I think this is a question that I would like to answer in five to ten years time. It has all the potential to become a project of an unprecedented global scale, that will change regions, societies and trade links in a positive fashion. It is of crucial importance that the "Belt and Road" initiative is inclusive, rather than exclusive, and that it remains a rather fluid concept that allows for the extension and inclusion of new geographic areas that want to enjoy the fruits of increased connectivity. It is for the Chinese government and those stakeholders along the "Belt and Road" to act in the interest of the people, clearly communicate and prove that the "Belt and Road" is not just a political slogan, but actually means and achieves something in practice.

Related:

Closing the distance for Chinese literature abroad: Sinologist

Indonesian Sinologist on China's 'Belt and Road' initiative