| Author (Person) | Stanzel, Angela |
|---|---|
| Publisher | European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) |
| Series Title | Commentary |
| Series Details | 19.05.17 |
| Publication Date | 19/05/2017 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog, News |
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China hosted a major conference called the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, 14-15 May 2017 to highlight and promote one of China's major foreign and economic policy initiatives - the Belt and Road Initiative In this commentary feature the author suggested that China was trying to create an inclusive narrative around its new Silk Road initiative, but fails to convince the sceptics. There was disagreement between Europeans and Beijing on the shape of future cooperation under the Silk Road framework. China issued a joint communiqué following the summit, mentioning the participating countries’ commitment to 'ensure free and inclusive trade, [and] oppose all forms of protectionism including in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative'. Several states, particularly European countries including France, Germany and Britain, declined to sign the statement, uncomfortable about its omission of social and environmental sustainability as well as transparency. Earlier calls by Germany to include guarantees on free trade and fair competition in the statement fell on deaf ears. A further summit is planned for 2019. |
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| Source Link | http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_chinas_belt_and_road_new_name_same_doubts |
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| Countries / Regions | China, Europe |
