This strategy has the potential to transform China’s relations with Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The linkages are embodied in the Silk Road Economic Belt and New Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at internal Asian economic development, a process never significantly supported by the countries of Asia or by external actors, especially in Europe and North America.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is the financing vehicle for intergovernmental cooperation, thus serving as enabler of the development process. This seed money supplements even larger sums from Asian governments and private sector actors who will supply most of the capital. Key infrastructure components include railroads, telecommunications, and ports, all to be integrated by sea and by land.
Successful implementation of the strategy will accelerate Asian development and lead to greater internal Eurasian economic integration. Failure of the United States to participate in the AIIB, even as most important world economies are members of the bank, relegates the US to being a weak participant in this major global-economic transformation.
The Seminar Convenor is Professor Chris Rowley, Visiting Fellow of Kellogg College and Professor Emeritus of Cass Business School, City, University of London.
Refreshments will be served from 16:45. The seminar will begin at 17:00.
All are welcome to attend this seminar and booking is not required.