The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visits to Central and Southeast Asia in 2013. Also dubbed as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the BRI aims to promote policy coordination, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties through a consultative process and joint efforts, with the goal of bringing benefits to all. Over the years, support for and participation in the initiative has grown to involve more than 140 countries and 80 international organizations. All of these epitomize the world's keen expectations for equality, cooperation, and development.
Global Leaders on the Belt and Road Initiative brings together the voices of leaders from various partner countries and international organizations in a collection of 36 interviews. Conducted by Sun Chao, these interviews offer unique insights into the opportunities, challenges, and prospects of the BRI through the words of ambassadors, high-ranking government officials, and top executives actively involved in it. As the world continues to face challenges on a global scale, this book represents an addition to the ongoing discussions on the ever-crucial topic of international connectivity and cooperation.