European Perspectives on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative

With the revival of the historical trade routes across the Eurasia and along its coasts, Europe finds itself at the receiving end of a major Chinese foreign policy strategy. There is no doubt that the Chinese leadership and many observers believe that the Belt and Road Initiative would contribute significantly to economic growth and interaction across Eurasia. In Europe, the initiative has prompted a range of different reactions, from a strong embrace of the opportunities for increased mutual trade and investment on the one hand, to scepticism about the feasibility or political implications of the project on the other. This article will provide a survey of the debate witnessed in Europe to date.