What is China's Belt and Road Initiative? | Start Here 

This is called real reporting about BRI..... unbiased.

another crucial aspect of the BRI is, is that it connects all of these countries by roads and ports - not just connect it to China. That is essentially what the ancient Silk Road was - a connection between the myriad countries where it ran. It brought prosperity to all. Especially China but not because the 'roads and ports all lead to China' but because it was a gigantic economy even back then

Comparing China and America... Two of the most technologically advanced super powers; one has thousands of military bases in other poor countries, and one has built thousands of miles roads and homes in other poor countries. I wouldn’t choose more foreigners military bases in my city and staying poor.

I live in NYC and I can confidently say that infrastructure here and most other cities in the US is crumbling. Why would anyone look at us for infrastructure projects?

The relief is: Maybe the Developing countries will benefit in this competition

I honestly can't see the US or any European nations doing this in any country without China starting First.

I give credit to China because it is looking at developing countries in Africa and other parts of the world as equal partners instead of infringing on their sovereignty like the West have been doing for decades. As a Kenyan in Nairobi, I am seeing massive transformation especially in infrastructure development and this is tanks to China that took a leap of faith to invest in the country. I know that Chinese investment in the country equals increased debt but from an economic standpoint, the improved infrastructure has a potential to trigger job creation and increased trade activity that would in turn allow the country to repay the debt.

To my surprise, AJ is indeed capable of shedding a fair spotlight on China in this regard. A lot less like the typical Western media.

I like the conclusion: the competition between China and the West to provide infrastructure to developing nations will likely be good for the developing nations. These countries need infrastructure more than they need ideological purity. If big nations want to compete to provide that infrastructure, all the better!

4:30, Pakistan want IMF out of their country, because IMF ask government to raise the price of gas ,fuel, tax, electricity. Pakistan need money but no one want loan money with extra condition.

One belt and one road is splendid plan for deeply undeveloped countries to get fast development on industrialization ，not like The bomb surprises from USA

America and West came with plan🤣 while China has completed its plan, that for economic progress not for war,

The host lady is conducting the show in a sound professional manner, throwing ample light on the pros and cons of the Chinese development initiatives covering the African continent to the Gaweder in Pakistan. To help the poor and impoverished nations every single step taken by China is admirable. Poor wants to bring bread on the table.

Beside China , Who else in the world could help 3rd world countries to develop their infrastructure ? If you want same condition next time , maybe 100 years later.

USA: who need trades, school or road when they can have a dose of my FREEDOM.

At least the infrastructures are there, and it is up the people to strive for development .If the development does not progress well, do not blame the infrastructure. As for Sri Lanka, the West including this programme paint the port as the "debt trap" ,whereas Sri Lanka's debt is mainly owed to the West.Those debts to the West were/are mainly for consumptive/pleasure purposes

Belt and Road = Rich of Euro-Asia and kick US out of the game.

Atleast China is more diplomatic, doesn't bring guns to force you into their investments

the west didn't come in to help the developing countries what they needed, instead blaming china to help with the much needed infrastructure. so hypocritical

The BRI is an umbrella initiative spanning a multitude of projects designed to promote the flow of goods, investment, and people. The new connections fostered by the BRI could reconfigure relationships, reroute economic activity, and shift power within and between states.

US and westrn countries are worried because their blackmailing and what they maintained the difference between past slave nations as third world and colonial powers as developed world, is in danger. They consumer society could face a trouble because of better social and economic conditions of third world countries from where most of resources are imported cheaply by the Imperialist descendants.

Henry Ford paid his workers well to build automobiles 🚗 so the workers can afford to buy a Ford. That is a win-win solution for everyone.

This is the only objective report I've found on the BRI. Allow developing countries to make their own decisions. Having China or the West decide for them is merely another type of colonialism.

I read that about that Sri Lanka port, the loan was restructured dozens of times before they decide the 99year lease is best option

Us money is very good, looting everything Us army is very very good,comforting local wemen

There is risk in every investment.

The last sentence sums it all. Great analysis as always.

B3W: bringing in the private sector i.e. awarding contracts to political cronies.

The difference between the US and China is that China actually takes action and builds things. The US just talks about it.

As old saying 'All road leads to Rome, it is modern day dream 'All roads (will) leads to Beijing, is BRI.

Something I've witnessed in Thailand , a humongous highway structure was being built on a main route heading south from the north east, great round pillars maybe 40mtrs or more high , with equipment like some thing from a thunderbird film , sliding great sections of road , from pillars to pillars , amazing .. Point is , as our diverted traffic slowly moved below , you could see the kit was from China and I imagine the workers also . I'm sure Thai nationals do get some work off the back of these projects but, as in this video stated , the construction work throughout connecting B&R Countries Is by the Chinese.. And they do have a seriously efficient work ethic.. Lending the money then making sure the work is done properly. . And yes , being paid with the money they lent the said country!! Unlike over 2 trillion dollars thrown at a twenty year war , for what ?

When the West offers an alternative to China's BRI through their own initiative, the question that pops into a curious mind is "Why _now_ ?" Where was this "generosity" all these years? Will it continue to exist if China no longer poses a threat to the West?

world class journalism, unbiased and tell it like it is.

A road is a road- as long as the quality is correct and the price is right.

Through BRI, China also developed a highway connecting Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in Cambodia which reduced travel time from 6 hours to 1.5 hours. Glory to the next superpower!

I really wish the West would come up with a competitive version of it, if they trully believe in capitalism, then competition is good for everyone!! - "If you build a road, a road is a road....." very nicely said, the developing world need practical solutions!!!!!

No body is going to jumps to the US left initiative dead-track for life.

We welcome china for this huge project for business from Pakistan

I am a huge fan of such journalism, it is not tilted towards any particular country. It let's viewers decide... Thanks!

We are a participant of the Chinese BRI project. Our economy is benefitted from Chinese investments. Our foreign policy is neutral and efficient. So, we can safely enjoy Chinese investments. The west wants democracy in their countries. For other countries, they manipulate politics in their favour.

The United States needs to invest money in its own country our schools are shutting down we have no health care our infrastructure is terrible yet they want to put billions of dollars in other places. its ridiculous...

I hate when media make a piece without interviewing those involved in the piece but rather parade bunch of foreign entities that have opinions or Ideas of what is going on. If you want to do a piece on BRI, you should be talking to Chinese Diplomats, businesses and the participating countries.

BRI is one of the greatest projects so far for the betterment of global community.

China's diplomatic principle is non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries

I loved how unbiased this whole report was!

Once upon a time there was a very poor country that has just come out of a long devastating conflict and it wanted to develop itself. There came another country and offered help. It would provide a loan and technologies in exchange for resources. Guess which two countries these were. Right, one was China and the other was Japan in the early seventies. Japan helped China with building power plants and other infrastructure and since China didnt have enough cash, they paid in oil. That’s how China sees itself and approaches the BRI, especially in Africa. China has been through this and it is a developing country itself. But this is still new to China and mistakes are being made but they learn. The deals are far better than that of Western contracts which are often tied to a myriad of conditions and cant compete on price. Hence, it’s not that China reaches out but that it is approached by poorer countries as they don’t have access to loans. The West may want to bring freedom and democracy and their help is usually a nonprofit domain in areas of health and social services but less about job creation. China brings human rights as well. The right for material security, the right to live and to be safe. Building roads and a power grid are essential to get things started. China creates many jobs and currently there are tens of thousands of Africans being trained in China to maintain and operate all the infrastructure. Investments, jobs and opportunities are also an effective way in fighting extremism and terrorism. This approach has been especially in focus by the Chinese in Xin Jiang, with the relocation of production to China’s West and empowering Uighur woman to run small farms and businesses in the cotton industry. This, as well as deradicalization programs in collaboration with France and Britain and large scale professional reeducation has helped to reduce the threats of terrorism that has haunted the region for a long time. The sad part is that the U.S. foreign policy seeks to contain China at all Costs and sees the BRI as a grave threat to its hegemony. Through covert operations the U.S. aims to destabilize countries and regions where the BRI is going through, especially Xin Jiang. It mobilizes the entire corporate media sector to accuse China of genocide without any tangible evidence. No refugee crisis, no mass graves while the region is popular for millions of tourists, none of which have reported any of signs of genocide. On top the U.S. funds opposition and separatist groups to establish an Islamic state (East Turkestan) on China’s sovereign soil and pushes specific sanctions to destroy the livelihoods of millions of Uighurs (baring large companies such as H&M to use cotton from Xin Jiang for unproven claims of slave labors). At the same time Uighur terrorist groups such as ETIM are conveniently removed from the list of terrorists groups which allows them to raise funds and to recruit. Now the effects of sanctions combined with active terror groups aims to undo China’s development by destroying the local economy in order to halt or slow the BRI. The rise of China is a rise of the global south and the BRI is one way for these countries to level up their game after centuries of exploitation. Now all those China haters can come and hate on my comment. It’s not going to change the fact that China and an increasing number of countries can’t be stopped from taking their destiny into their own hands. Instead of fighting it, you should join it. Imagine the world where the U.S. and China would join hands.

Først to say that Chinese is kind to the whole world. Regarding China and Sri Lanka, I have heard a lot of "noise" from outside China and Sri Lanka. However, the fact is that only two countries, China and Sri Lanka, have the "right to speak" and this is reasonable. It is impossible to understand and prove the "cooperation" between China and Sri Lanka from "external noise". Since it is "cooperation", it is "mutually beneficial". Since it is a "cooperation" and a "contract" signed, it is a "contract" that the two countries have negotiated that is fair to either party. Do you think that the Sri Lankan government and leaders did not know to defend Sri Lankan national interests when they signed the "contract" with the Chinese government? Does the signed "contract" include an "explanation" that Sri Lanka must make concessions to China? Why does China cede its own national interests to other countries? I have never heard of the United States, France or the United Kingdom dedicating their national interests to other any countries free of charge..

of course, we can't just all praise china but there are things that they have done like as Pakistani, we seriously had a shortage of electricity and there were like 10 hours of load shedding in our cities before china poured their money into Pakistan's power sector. Now I know these projects have consequences but still we have something now as compared to USAID, IMF and World Ban loans where they gave the money but never ever built anything productive here.

This initiative is the only opportunity for poor countries in the developing world to rise.

The BRI is an ambitious infrastructure project for connectivity and trade purposes involving 140 countries who joined (as of today) and it will only cost $1.2-1.3T for China. About half of what the US spent in Afghanistan but accomplished nothing. If the US spent all that $2.26T building infrastructure and development in Afghanistan, Afghanistan would have been the most modern developed country in the world. Afghanistan would have been grateful o the US for eternity. Instead, they left Afghanistan like a thief in the night with Afghanis hating on them as a result. Perhaps the US should rethink their policy in going to countries and replacing or manipulating governments. they should do as China does, go in there as businessmen and make deals to build services and infrastructures in that particular country.

I love how they're saying what China is doing like it's a bad thing 😂😂😂. I'm Kenyan and China has done so much for our country in the past 15 years than rhe the west combined in 60 years!

China: build, build, build US: biu biu biu

Please bring in content every day. The episode is taking some time to air. We need this show everyday.

BRI has evolved into a vision participating nations can achieve together, foster further collaboration between Asia and Europe.

We have friendly relations with China and recently our friendship with Russia has become very strong🇷🇺🇵🇰🇨🇳💰🔉🔊🔌🔋🔬📡📗💡🔩🗜🛣🚉🚊🚄🚅🚆🚂📈

China is a paradise for engineers, you have endless super projects, and you can fully show your talents.

Oww Al Jazeera doing an unbiased piece?😳 Is the world going to end.

The crux of the entire bruhaha comes in her last sentence : "Some countries really don't like the idea of the Chinese calling the shots." Jealous? Envious? Racist? Bigotous?

What about IMF, they are also playing debt games with developing countries.

literally, I've fallen in love with your videos.... informative, concised and unbiased...

This was a really great analysis of the Belt & Road Initiative from several perspectives. Thank you!

This is one of the most objective pieces I've seen from Al Jazeera, which isn't always unbiased. It presented positive, negative, and neutral aspects of the story. The final comment was also spot on in analysis.

once mention China, you can always see the vision of building and transporting, unlike some 'domocracy' countries always throwing bombs over the others.

Maybe 6 years ago I saw the highway built with Chinese funds in Ethiopia. These massive projects and the will to do them is impressive. America is still doing environmental analysis on the keystone pipeline and mulling it over.

Missing the fact that China also use this project to study health care and diseases along the way so it is not just transportation but for them to learn and be better prepared health care system.

First off, I have to say that Sandra Gathmann is really, really hot. Second, it's a cheap shot to call BRI a "debt trap." If the West's B3W lends to these countries, how is it also not a debt trap? Lending money to developing countries is a risk, no matter who the lender is. If a country defaults on a loan, what will the B3W lenders do? Forgive the loan? We cannot be so naive. Third, even if China is "autocratic" (and I disagree with this characterization), how does this impact other nations? China does not export its political ideology. China does not interfere in the domestic matters of other nations. China treats all of its economic partners with respect.

Also, Sri Lanka's debt with China is only 10% of all her debt

This is actually a win win project for both countries involved. China will harvest by taxing it, Others will be able to use a much better logistics for trades. I can see why 150 countries supported it.

Something the West is just about to start to learn?

Today, whether the world is saved or destroyed depends on two kinds of people : national leaders and those in charge of the media. The policies of the national leaders and the direction that those in charge of the media take exert great influence on the happiness of all people. The technology used by the media is very good. It itself is not to blame. It is its contents that are to be blamed.

There is no such thing as a "free lunch", everything has a price. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

China helps other countries with Trades and Infrastructure projects. US helps other countries with Bombs and Weaponry ( in the name of Democracy ) . China teaches other countries to grow food . US trains other countries to fight Wars .

4:01. disagree. all the developed country can see the developing country need the infrastructures, it's a market, if you lost the tender with high price, how can you blame china to lend the money?

What a great idea 💡 We should support BRI as it will help many of the countries.

If Aliens attack, I wouldn't mind let the Chinese call the shots. Got a better chance to survive.

Without those infrastructures those countries would be pepertually stuck as backward,poor countries, always at the mercy of the West. With the infrastructures, at least those poor countries have a chance Whether they make good use of it, it is up to the people.God helps those who help themselves

The Western World G7 against 1 country CHINA shows how powerful China is. G7 laying out their plans without money in place while China announcing it's BRI and putting money to where their mouth is. Action speaks louder then words.

This is us… let’s build robust networks between the US to Canada, Central America, and South America. Nah let’s build a wall. Let’s invest in infrastructure for Latin American countries that need it and partner with those developments. Nah let’s overthrown their government. Let’s throw our money at wall st. Wall St will save us. It’s not political.

Informed journalism will increase viewership. Symbol of BRI is uniting the world.Well done AJ.Peace

Considering that between the U.S. and the EU, which countries have colonized, stolen, taken possession of, and engaged and/or instigated foreign wars in the last 100 years?

No such things as end game, that's an American idea. Americans think in a binary terms and always see threats where there is no threats. Or they'll create trouble.

Very good journalism. Keep up the good work

Personally I think no country can ever beat China building infrastructure projects in terms of time completion and cost!!!!

this project is actually good for everybody...well except the west of course, i hope it works out for everyone involved.

It's a brilliant project,with every one in a win win situation.

In Suriname Lelydorp we have Asphalt Road to our family home now. The Dirt Roads Asphalted by China BRI and Suriname Government Cooperation. Change of life. Thank You China ❤

this is just great i have heard a lot about silk road hopee it gets established quickly

'Lifting 7 million people out of poverty' seems small for such a large project.

I love this Series , great info ! Also what a beautyful and very professional Host! Awesome . Greetings From Mexico🇲🇽🇲🇽

1ST Class journalism. Keep up the excellent work! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Surprisingly objective report from Aljazeera which more often than not just repeats what CNN/BBC’ tones on international affairs. Great job!

Very informative. China’s Belt & Road is of course meant to increase China’s global influence. It comes with conditions but why do we think that IMF and World Bank conditions is any less severe on less developed countries &/or they are not equally prone to corruption?

One belt one road will be a God gifts to every landlocked nation whose prosperity is stopped by their evil neighbors by not allowing them route to seas for international trade. Nepal is one of the best example as India completely turn this farming nation into the nation of migrant workers. Now their trade ratio with India is 90:10. How can a food exporting nation became so poor that they had to import foods from India? Turns out after the arrival of Marwari Indians and Bilateral trade policy which India broke time and again by exporting heavily subsidized goods to Nepal. As a result Nepalese factories disappeared and hence India took over the power of economic blockade which they used time and again to force this tiny nation to give into their demands. When India sell product to Nepal, they only take US dollar vs only pay in Indian currency while buying. A perfect policy to take away Nepal's US Dollars reserves so they can't trade with any other nation but them. One belt one road is a must. No wonder India doesn't want it to succeed as it will bring trade freedom to every poor nation.

Thanks for giving us clear picture on this projects

Seeing something positive about China from Al Jazeera is like finding water in desert. So let's drink this water, cheers!

Well China is autocratic in a sense that it rules itself and doesn't let others rule it while it works through it's functional Confucionist dictatorships, The USA is democratic in a sense that it has elections to satisfy the population with the feeling of democracy while the country is run and controlled by oligarchs. The real issue is not the difference between these two being democracy and autocratic countries. The difference is that China does not want to change any of the countries that they deal with, or involved their internal affairs. On the other hand USA/UK and the rest want to control, direct and manage those independent nations if they do business with them. So let the nations decide s the lady said...simple. By the way Al Jazeera should back the initiative since Arabic countries will have better roads and transportation for trade, means more money in the Middle East.

This project will be great for developing and poor countries

That parting shot says it all.😂

China would spend $1.2-1.3 Trillions for development, While US spent $7+ Trillion since WW2 war in wars like Korean war, Vietnam, Afganistan and other wars in South America and Africa

China is so Differently Winning the World!