China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Violence Along the Way in South Asia

China's belt and road initiative

China’s belt and road initiative (BRI), also known as the New Silk Road is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever in history. It promises to revive the original Silk Road connected Europe to Asia centuries ago.

China’s overall expenses of BRI is projected to reach $1.2–1.3 trillion by 2027. To date, more than sixty countries—accounting for two-thirds of the world’s population—have signed on to various projects under BRI.

In the overall BRI scheme South Asia is regarded as a 'priority zone'. Currently South Asia also has the highest density of early harvest projects, specially around four main sub-projects:

• the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
• the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM)
• the Trans-Himalaya Corridor
• China’s cooperation with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Although there is much discussion and debate on the economic impact of the BRI, globally, regionally and locally, there is very little attention paid to BRI’s implications on changing picture of violence and violent conflicts in the region. This panel discussion aims to shed light on the latter aspect.

Panelists

Professor Mansoob Murshed - ISS/EUR
Mr Haris Zargar - ISS/EUR
Dr Mohammadbagher Forough - Leiden University
Mr Janaid Qureshi  - European Foundation for South Asian Studies, Amsterdam
Mr Burzine Waghmar - SOAS University of London

Policy take away:  The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs