If that ambitious effort succeeds, “a global and competitive route connecting northeastern, eastern and southeastern Asia with Europe” will emerge. All countries taking part in the Belt and Road Initiative are therefore encouraged to embark on the project.

Inspired by the historic trade routes that connected Europe to East Asia, Beijing’s Maritime Silk Road project makes up the overseas portion of its Belt and Road Initiative by linking Chinese ports to ones in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa. However, routes passing through disputed territories in the South China Sea could potentially raise geopolitical tensions with neighboring Vietnam, the Philippines Malaysia, and Taiwan if left unresolved. The waterway sees $5 trillion in trade pass through it every year.