Reviving the Ancient Silk Road: China's New Diplomatic Initiative

Abstract

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pursued a proactive foreign policy to strengthen ties with its neighbours. In particular, Xi has proposed two major initiatives, i.e. the Silk Road Economic Belt (an overland route) and the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st Century (a maritime route), that leverage on China's economic strengths. Nevertheless, China will have to contend with the interests of other major powers as well as its own lack of soft power in its implementation.