Belt and Road initiative

Why in news?

• China is  believed to be negotiating  with Afghanistan to invest in Afghanistan's infrastructure through China's international 'Belt and Road Initiative'

About BRI:

• The Belt and Road Initiative, formerly known as One Belt One Road, is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013.
•  It will invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.
• Infrastructure projects include ports, railways, highways, power stations, aviation and telecommunications.
• "Belt" refers to the overland routes for road and rail transportation, called "the Silk Road Economic Belt"; whereas "road" refers to the sea routes, or the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
• The project has a target completion date of 2049 which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
• India has decided not to Join the Belt and Road initiative.

Major Projects undertaken:

• China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
• Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port/ Hambantota Port in Srilanka
• Condor Cliff and La Barrancosa dams in Argentina
• Jakarta–Bandung High Speed Rail in Indonesia
• Abuja-Kaduna railway line in Nigeria

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding “Belt and Road initiative”:
1.It was initiated in 2001 by the Chinese government.
2.It has a target completion date of 2025.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question