Figuring out the scope of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative is not hard. It is massive, to say the least.
China’s new expansionism is driving west by covering the territorial basis of Central and West Asia, up to the Middle East and Europe, connecting localities from the historical Silk Road. As for the initiative’s maritime chapter, stretching from China to Southeast and South Asia, we still have not heard much about it. But given that virtually anything seems to fit the plan first promoted by China’s President Xi Jinping by the end of 2013, it may start taking shape soon.
Strangely, but not surprisingly, hence, the initiative is stretching further to the Portuguese-speaking countries, owing to the Macau ‘link.’ I suppose it makes sense that this part of the plan is harnessed to its maritime chapter. And so this leads us to the part that’s difficult to grasp about the OBOR initiative: how does it translate into concrete actions, strategies, and policy?
Let’s try to straighten a few things out.
Although colossal in purpose, the OBOR is basic in principle.
Through investment in the development of infrastructure, private and public, it seeks to strengthen the links between China and some dozens of countries and localities, mainly those extending along the land-based road.
China realized that underinvestment in transportation infrastructure in Asia was a huge opportunity for securing the basis to export its production excess – amidst slower economic growth and weaker consumer demand at home – and selling infrastructural equipment to developing countries along the way.
So, it is betting on expansionism old style by providing opportunities for development and industrialization, while grounding partnerships with economically-striving countries which would be happy to oblige.
Connecting Asia through infrastructure-driven economic growth. Smart move China.
In the meantime, the motherland is stocking on its hegemonic plans by striving to “re-Orient”** the world’s economic centre toward itself, echoing its leading role in the tributary system it commanded before European maritime hegemony, which extended as far as the Levant.
Now, what? With the hype building up again after the OBOR Forum that took place in Beijing in mid-May, expectations are renewing and Macau is caught in the loop.
Let’s hope the reconstruction of the Super Bridge linking Macau, Hong Kong, and Zhuhai is not one of the infrastructure plans in the pipeline.
** I borrowed this expression from Andre Gunder Frank’s eponymous book
