Posted on 05/12/2017 6:42:43 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
BEIJING — China is aiming to re-create Marco Polo's ancient "Silk Road" that connected Europe to Asia.
But instead of the camels and caravans that transported spices and silk hundreds of years ago, a $1.4 trillion network of modern trading routes would be built.
On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping will host 28 heads of state at the opening of a two-day summit focusing on the so-called "Belt and Road" initiative.
Analysts suggest the project could shift the center of global economy and challenge the U.S.-led world order.
Beijing hopes the gathering will rally international support for the plan.
Xi's colossal program is 11 times the size of the U.S. Marshall Plan, which reconstructed Europe after World War II.
It envisions new roads, high-speed rail, power plants, pipelines, ports and airports and telecommunications links that would boost commerce between China and 60 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Among Xi's guests will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the leaders of Turkey, Italy, Pakistan and the Philippines. A minister from reclusive North Korea will also attend.
The U.S. delegation is led by Matt Pottinger, a special assistant to President Donald Trump and senior director for East Asia on the National Security Council. His visit to observe the summit was only announced Friday. And surrounded by heads of state, Pottinger's relatively low position raises questions about how seriously the Trump administration is taking the project.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
China bought Nepal a “Ring Road” for Katmandu that was clearly designed for an invasion force.
The routes through the ‘stans are classic trekking routes for adv. motorcycle riders. KKR, Pamir Hwy and Leh-Manali are all on my bucket list, along with Iran once the mullahs are gone.
These road improvements will make treks possible on a 1200GSA that would have required a KLR;-)
Great minds think alike!
The 200 million man army from Revelation 9 that kills 1/3 of the world.
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