BRI projects are not exclusively about building new infrastructure. The “Belt and Road Initiative” also aims to strengthen cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world and to promote the development of the poorest regions.
That’s why the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) suggests that China launches BRI humanitarian projects.
While visiting Australia, Peter Maurer, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that he hoped to convince China to launch a humanitarian project equivalent to that of the BRI.
Red Cross’ activities are traditionally financed mostly by Western countries (United States and European Union) but these countries are facing budgetary restrictions, and the Red Cross must turn to new donors including China.
Beijing has significantly increased its international aid, and inaugurated this year a new agency to better coordinate this aid.
The Red Cross is the oldest humanitarian organization in the world and therefore has a very strong experience in this field.
A partnership of China and the Red Cross on the new Silk Roads would therefore be a win-win agreement for both parties. A partnership with the Red Cross on the new Silk Roads would also improve BRI image and provide practical solutions to obstacles for development in BRI regions.