Overview of the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is widely perceived through contrasting lenses: some view it as a strategic move by Beijing to ensnare developing nations in debt, while others consider it a genuine effort to foster global cooperation. Since its inception in 2013, around 142 countries have signed agreements with China to enhance bilateral relations through BRI, engaging in significant investment across infrastructure, energy, and trade. While this initiative is touted as a commercial investment program rather than foreign aid, it has achieved varied success in different regions, demonstrating China's growing economic influence worldwide. The BRI's total engagement has surpassed the $1 trillion mark, marking it as a considerable force compared to traditional funding mechanisms like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).