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The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – China's proposal to cooperate with other countries in building a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road – was unveiled by President Xi Jinping during his visits to Central and Southeast Asia in September and October 2013. It is a strategic initiative launched by the central leadership and a major measure in China's all-round opening up in the current era. It also serves as an important platform for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The BRI originated in China but belongs to the world. It is rooted in the history of the ancient Silk Road, and was devised to inherit and carry forward the spirit of the Silk Road, which embodies peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit. Guided by the principle of achieving shared growth through consultation and collaboration, the BRI focuses on policy coordination, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties. It is an initiative for development, cooperation, and opening up.

The BRI involves countries in different regions, at different development stages and with different cultures. It is a public good provided jointly by all relevant parties to the world.

Since its launch in 2013, a general framework of cooperation has been put in place, and more than 160 countries and international organizations have responded positively and participated in related activities. The UN General Assembly and Security Council have also made reference to the initiative in some of their resolutions.

Policy coordination between China and participating countries has improved, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities is more effective, unimpeded channels have been opened for trade, there is further financial integration, and people-to-people ties have become closer. This provides greater impetus to world economic growth and creates wider space for international economic cooperation.