Eyck Freymann, "One Belt One Road: Chinese Power Meets the World" (Harvard UP, 2020)
Aug 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Eyck Freymann, a DPhil Candidate in China Studies at the University of Oxford, delves into China’s One Belt One Road initiative, the largest infrastructure program in history. He reveals the strategic and political significance behind OBOR, emphasizing that it transcends mere infrastructure, aiming to enhance China’s global influence. Freymann debunks myths regarding debt traps and highlights the complexities of local perceptions in participating countries. Ultimately, he argues that OBOR reflects Xi Jinping’s desire to restore China's status on the world stage.
The One Belt One Road initiative is driven by Xi Jinping's ambition to revitalize China's historical imperial presence through global trade infrastructure.
Contrary to prevalent myths, recipient countries do not uniformly view OBOR as a debt trap, highlighting the complexities of local political dynamics.
The ambiguity surrounding OBOR allows China to portray its initiatives flexibly, which facilitates varied international engagement and strategic partnerships.
Deep dives
Origins of the One Belt, One Road Initiative
The One Belt, One Road initiative (OBOR) originated from Xi Jinping's vision to restore China's former imperial glory, linking it to historical periods of power during the Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties. This initiative aims to revitalize trade routes and construct infrastructure in participating countries, positioning China as a crucial global player. The initiative is not merely an infrastructure project; it is framed as an imperial rejuvenation strategy where China's economic and political influence expands through cooperative agreements with other nations. By offering loans and financing, China connects its state-owned enterprises to foreign markets while promoting a narrative of mutual growth and shared prosperity.
Misconceptions Surrounding OBOR
There are widespread misconceptions about OBOR, particularly the idea that it primarily functions as a debt trap for participant countries. While some projects may lead to debt accumulation, the complexity of local political dynamics plays a critical role in shaping outcomes. Countries like Sri Lanka and Greece demonstrate how relationships built through OBOR can yield significant political partnerships, irrespective of the financial success of individual projects. The perception of predatory lending does not capture the voluntary nature of many countries engaging with China, suggesting there are nuances beyond simple debt dependency.
China's Strategic Approach and Global Reactions
China's approach to OBOR allows for a flexible strategy, enabling various actors within the Chinese system to engage differently based on their interests. The program's branding and implementation cascade from Xi Jinping's directives, impacting how projects are framed and executed on the ground. However, the vagueness around the initiative, characterized by ambiguous definitions and a lack of project specifics, permits both domestic and foreign entities to potentially misconstrue their involvement. This ambiguity serves to foster China's international relationships while creating confusion in Western narratives that often misinterpret the strategic goals inherent to the initiative.
Case Studies Reveal Diverse Outcomes
The case studies on Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Greece illustrate varying results of engagement with OBOR, highlighting how local socio-political contexts influence perceptions and ramifications. While Sri Lanka's Hambantota port was criticized as a failure, local political leaders attribute its challenges to broader strategic goals rather than Chinese malfeasance. Meanwhile, the Greek port of Piraeus showcases the potential for success under Chinese management, resulting in increased economic activity and strategic partnerships. These case studies underscore that the impact of OBOR is less about the direct economic outcomes and more about the political relationships fostered through engagement with China.
Navigating the U.S.-China Rivalry
The United States faces a challenging geopolitical landscape in response to the Belt and Road Initiative, requiring a nuanced approach that avoids direct confrontation while recognizing China's expanding influence. Various strategies can be employed, such as selectively engaging in projects aligned with American interests or promoting joint solutions on global issues like climate change and public health. Embracing a cooperative stance may allow the U.S. to maintain its involvement in international development without trying to counter every Chinese investment dollar. This strategic posture demands a careful assessment of national interests to better navigate the evolving dynamics of the global order shaped by OBOR.
China’s One Belt One Road policy, or OBOR, represents the largest infrastructure program in history. Yet little is known about it with any certainty. How can something so large be so bewildering?
In One Belt One Road: Chinese Power Meets the World(Harvard East Asian Monographs, 2020), Eyck Freymann, a DPhil Candidate in China Studies at the University of Oxford, explores the nature, function, and purposes of OBOR. Drawing on primary documents in five languages, interviews with senior officials, and on-the-ground case studies in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Greece, Freymann sifts through the purposeful ambiguity of the Chinese Communist Party and unravels a series of popular myths about OBOR.
He finds that OBOR is not controlled by a monolithic state apparatus; that recipient nations do not consider OBOR a debt trap; and that appeal of OBOR is growing, not shrinking.
Ultimately, Freymann argues that the infrastructure projects are a sideshow to something else: Xi Jinping’s project to restore China’s greatness in world affairs and to solidify his place at the helm of the new Chinese empire.
John Sakellariadis is a 2020-2021 Fulbright US Student Research Grantee. He holds a Master’s degree in public policy from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia and a Bachelor’s degree in History & Literature from Harvard University.
