China's Belt and Road

China’s Belt and Road

China wants to put itself back at the centre of the world

The Belt and Road Initiative revives memories of China’s imperial tributary system, says Dominic Ziegler

The belt

Chinese investment in Eurasia is not always smooth

Problems with investments under the Belt and Road Initiative show some of China’s weaknesses abroad

The road

China is making substantial investment in ports and pipelines worldwide

Many are worried they could be used for military or other strategic purposes

Of belts and roads

How the Belt and Road Initiative got its name

It sounds better in Mandarin

The digital Silk Road

The digital side of the Belt and Road Initiative is growing

Many believe it is where much of the rivalry over the plan will play out in future

The future

Will China sit again at the heart of its own cosmos?

And does it have more than just cold, hard cash to offer?

Sources and acknowledgments