‘We’re still figuring out China’s Belt and Road’: European diplomats confess they don’t know much about Xi’s trade plan
Leaders from five European Union nations have confirmed they will be at Beijing’s major diplomatic event of the year – even as diplomats confess they know little about China’s massive trade and economic integration strategy
As Beijing prepares to host its major diplomatic event of the year – a forum on its new Silk Road initiative – European diplomats are scratching their heads over what China’s grand plan is actually about and how they can take part in it.
China has boasted that it has received wide support from the international community for the Belt and Road Forum. Top leaders from five countries of the 28-member European Union have confirmed they will attend the two-day Beijing event that starts on Sunday. European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen also will be there.
But even if their leaders are coming to town in less than a week to discuss the “One Belt, One Road, Initiative”, European diplomats based in Beijing confessed they know little about it.
“Everyone asks me about OBOR, but we don’t even know what it is,” said one diplomat who asked not to be identified, using an older version of the strategy now more commonly referred to as One Belt, One Road.