Name: Kavi Chongkittavorn, Senior Fellow, Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University

Title: The Belt and Road Initiative: Forging New Communications Strategies

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative is a new and bold idea proposed by China in 2013. Three years have elapsed, but the international media community is still struggling to understand the significance of the continental-wide connectivity and development plan. Since the plan is a non-Western grand development strategy, the first of its kind in Asia, it still needs time to gain public acceptance.

China needs to communicate this idea in the language that everybody can understand. Currently, all news and information related to this initiative are coming from China. Since most of the materials translated from the Chinese language— putonghua—depictions of geographical locations and local settings could be mislabeled or mistranslated. As such, it has caused misunderstanding. When the idea first appeared, it was called the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt, respectively.

It is pivotal that China adopts a worldwide media strategy to promote awareness

and understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative. Future opportunities and long- term economic and social implications must be mapped out clearly, especially in the countries that will be benefitted from this connectivity.

The role of media is essential in providing accurate information about the initiative. At the juncture, China must have a clear roadmap and timeframe for all to see. As China continues to rise, it is important to provide a clear blueprint for such an inclusive strategic initiative for all media communities.

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