Skip to main content
Belt and Road Initiative: colonialism with Chinese characteristics?
Far from being ‘debt traps,’ BRI projects are establishing an essential framework for economic development and creating the conditions for formerly colonised countries to break out of dependency, says CARLOS MARTINEZ
China flag

THE Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy proposed by China in 2013. 

Unprecedented in scope, the BRI is modelled on the Silk Road — a vast trading network that arose during the Han dynasty (206BC–220AD) and which connected China with India, central Asia and further afield.

The BRI seeks to promote global economic integration and co-operation via the construction of vast numbers of roads, railways, bridges, factories, ports, airports, energy infrastructure and telecommunications systems, all of which will enable deeper integration of markets and more efficient allocation of resources.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with French President Emmanu
Features / 7 March 2025
7 March 2025
CARLOS MARTINEZ condemns Europe’s failure to develop genuine autonomy from US hegemony, as leaders like Starmer and Macron cling to a declining imperial order rather than building good relations with the emerging powers
Taklimakan desert workers
Features / 28 December 2024
28 December 2024
Chinese socialist planning and action over decades have created the world’s greatest reforestation programme, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ, and now its lessons in fighting desertification and climate change are taking root worldwide
17 - PRC founding celebrations 2019
Features / 7 September 2024
7 September 2024
Despite relentless hostility, the People’s Republic of China has lifted millions out of poverty, and become a global leader in innovation and climate action, while pursuing peaceful development in a multipolar world, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the return cap
Features / 9 July 2024
9 July 2024
Brussels is following the US’s lead in slapping punitive duties on China’s electric vehicles, sabotaging Europe’s climate goals and economic interests to appease Biden’s anti-Beijing crusade, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
Similar stories
Chinese Premier Li Qiang
Features / 17 March 2025
17 March 2025
China’s opening up empowers the world, and Sino-European co-operation especially holds immense potential, argues LIANG TAO, from infrastructure and industrial capacity to cultural exchange between two ancient civilisations
President Donald Trump walks up the stairs to board Air Forc
Features / 27 February 2025
27 February 2025
The US projects its nation’s own sins, from funding narco crime to authoritarian rule, onto its ‘back yard’ — lashing out as Latin America drifts further into the multipolar future, write FRANCISCO DOMINGUEZ and ROGER D HARRIS
Cargo containers sit stacked as cranes load and unload conta
Features / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
The Trump administration increases its interventionist rhetoric and actions regarding the Panama Canal, as China upholds its longstanding support of Panamanian sovereignty, writes TINGS CHAK
17 - PRC founding celebrations 2019
Features / 7 September 2024
7 September 2024
Despite relentless hostility, the People’s Republic of China has lifted millions out of poverty, and become a global leader in innovation and climate action, while pursuing peaceful development in a multipolar world, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ