In 2013, China proposed the establishment of a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The Silk Road Economic Belt was focused on promoting the development of China's Western territories and would span a region from Central Asia to Europe, while the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road would promote economic cooperation would promote economic cooperation through Southeast Asia, South Asia to Europe, including fostering links between the coastal regions. Originally termed One Belt One Road (OBOR), it was renamed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2016.1 The proposal was framed as an initiative by which China could strengthen its relations with countries around the world while also shouldering greater responsibilities and obligations on the international stage.

As noted in Chapter 4, China wants to promote a favorable national image of itself to the outside world, which would help encourage others to accept its political worldview. The Belt and Road Initiative represents a key centerpiece of China's international outreach strategy, especially the articulation of its desired global order. This is vividly demonstrated by the speeches made by Chinese leaders – led by President Xi Jinping – touting the benefits and opportunities that the Belt and Road Initiative would bring to not just China, but also the countries throughout the world that are economically connected to China.