Tej Prasad Wagle
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), unveiled in 2013, has become perhaps the most visible manifestation of what Beijing clearly sees as a super-strategic effort to foster improved global connectivity. It goes far beyond economic transactions and is seen as a modern Silk Road, forming part of a broader approach to global socio-political issues.
While visiting Gansu Province, I traced the course of history back to one such crossroad when it cinched itself on an ancient trade route that linked hundreds of silk road arteries and supply chains — The Tea Horse Road. Situated between China and South Asia, Nepal was a key link in this ancient trade route. The historical relations of Nepal China date back to hundreds years that have developed mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. In history, this part of Nepal was a major link on the Tea Horse Road: trade and cultural socialization way. Nepal and China have been engaged in a great deal of transactions over the years — both political, economic and cultural. This well-documented history is invaluable to interpreting the modern implications of BRI, as it attempts to sew into being new relationships built on top of these ancient connective linings.
Infrastructure as a Communication System
Originally envisaged as an initiative to bridge connectivity across continents from Asia, through Europe and Africa, the BRI is a grand infrastructural and developmental scheme. The initiative includes a gigantic grid of transport and communication infrastructure, planned to boost trade and cooperation between countries signed up for it. But the BRI is not a mere economic drive — it portrayed itself as new communication.
As a student of communication, I believe that BRI serves an important tool in establishing global land connect and hence collaboration. The infrastructure underlines the modern language of our communication beyond media and words. This vast network of roads, railways, ports and digital connections form the ‘Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highways’ providing bridges for interaction, commerce and cross-cultural exchanges. These projects are the infrastructure railroads provide, connecting nations to each other and creating a dialogue pathway between them on issues similar such as trade, environmental concerns. The BRI allows for new forms of diplomatic and political dialogue to develop, enabling nations to work together on mutual problems.
Intercultural communications is one of the main components with respect to BRI. In this connection, the BRI recognises that effective communication is central to understanding and co-operation hence it promotes cultural exchange through different platforms and activities. This encouragement of intercultural dialogue allows for a dissipation in stereotypes, and an overall willingness to participate in the global community. For example, the BRI has built multiple platforms for cultural communication and mutual learning under these circumstances. These initiatives allow people from all walks of life to converse, share and know each other that led them in creating a long-lasting bond. Through cultural exchanges, BRI helps prevent misinterpretations due to differences of between cultures. The BRI promotes an attitude of cooperation and mutual respect by conducting arts, education and tourism exchanges. The creation of culture is the urgent matter for humanity at this juncture anything that prevents it should be given up on without moral scruples.
The BRI as a Communication Network
At its core, the BRI is about enhancing connectivity—not just in terms of transportation and trade, but also in fostering intercultural understanding. The establishment of multilevel policy coordination and communication mechanisms enables China to collaborate closely with participating countries. Through regular dialogue and consultation, the BRI fosters a shared understanding of goals, promoting cooperation on key issues. The BRI provides countries with access to new trade routes, markets, and technologies, thereby enhancing economic connectivity. However, this economic engagement is also accompanied by increased diplomatic interactions. As nations work together on infrastructure projects, they simultaneously cultivate relationships that extend beyond mere economic interests. This new form of connectivity allows for a more holistic approach to global challenges. For example, collaborative efforts in areas such as environmental sustainability and public health become possible through the partnerships established by the BRI. By fostering collaboration on pressing global issues, the BRI enhances the communication networks that underpin international relations.
The Future of Global Communication
The goal of the Belt and Road Initiative is to transform international cooperation and communication. In addition to improving trade routes, these infrastructure initiatives aim to open up avenues of interacting between various nations. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is shaping up as a novel communication channel by fostering international collaboration and enhancing connectivity through infrastructure development. As we move, it is essential to comprehend that the BRI is a comprehensive plan for building international ties as well as more than just an economic initiative. Through grasping the historical background, adopting the opportunity for cross-cultural communication, and addressing upcoming challenges, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has an opportunity to profoundly promote the development of a more integrated and interconnected global community. The BRI is a transformative effort that seeks to reshape global communication and collaboration. As we continue to explore the implications of the BRI, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that the initiatives undertaken promote equitable and sustainable outcomes for all participating nations. Ultimately, the Belt and Road Initiative is not just about building roads and bridges; it is about building connections that can lead to a more prosperous, peaceful, and united world. The BRI serves as a modern pathway for communication and collaboration, transforming old trade routes into new avenues for understanding.
(This article is based on the speech delivered by Tej Prasad Wagle, a PhD student in the Communication University of China, at the 2nd Silk Road International Communication Forum held in Xi’an, China, on October 14-15.)
