European companies show strong willingness to participate in the BRI; it is now up to European governments to support this trend and promote trade between Europe and Asia.
European companies show willingness to participate in the BRI
China Mobile coming to France
On March 2, 2018, China Mobile inaugurated its new offices near Paris. It is the third Chinese phone company to enter the French market after China Telecom and China Unicom.
BRI in the sky
Two Asian airlines companies Air Astana (Kazakhstan) and Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) will begin reciprocal codeshare partnership for several destinations from Central Asia to Australia.
The New Silk Road Project: interview with Charles Stevens
The new Silk Roads are receiving more and more attention from European media. This project raises fears of Chinese hegemony, but everyone agrees that the BRI is also creating opportunities and development. Two British students have decided to make up their minds for themselves and take the road to explore this new line of communication between Europe and Asia.
The Silk roads become digital
In late February 2018, this program was further advanced with the creation of a Digital Belt and Road International Center of Excellence in Thailand. This center is the result of cooperation between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Investment priority in Xinjiang in 2018
In 2018, Xinjiang Autonomous Region will invest 450 billion RMB in infrastructure.
Investment projects will focus mainly on the expansion of Urumqi Airport, and the province’s rail and road networks.
These new investments reflect China’s desire to make Xinjiang an important hub to Central Asia and Pakistan.
Europe and new Silk Roads rival projects
Australia, the United States, India and Japan are reportedly discussing the formation of a competing project for China’s Belt and Road initiative. The best option for the EU is to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative to better protect its interests.
The BRI at the heart of a Malaysian political party’s program
Since 2009, China has become Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Under Xi Jinping’s presidency, Chinese investment in Malaysia has seen strong growth. While most investments have been concentrated in the infrastructure, transportation and real estate sectors, new, more diversified investments are expected.
New Courts for the Belt and Road Initiative
In late January 2018, China announced the forthcoming creation of commercial courts dedicated to the “Belt and Road” initiative by the Supreme Court. This new judicial institution would consist of three courts. The headquarters would be located in Beijing. Court in Xian would settle commercial disputes over the new Continental Silk Roads; and in Shenzhen, the court would focus on the various issues related to the sea routes.
The Silk route to Latin America
From 19 to 22 January 2018, the China-CELAC Forum took place in Santiago de Chile. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi encouraged Latin American and Caribbean states to expand their trade with China.