This year marks a decade since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's global development framework focused on enhancing infrastructure, trade, and cultural connectivity across continents. To celebrate, we spoke with international students at Tsinghua University about how the initiative has shaped their lives and aspirations.
Shinna, a Singaporean student, recalls learning about BRI in high school: \"Our teachers emphasized its potential to boost economic opportunities across Asia. We saw it as a bridge to collaboration,\" she told CGTN. Others highlighted participation in BRI-themed campus groups, exploring topics from sustainable infrastructure to cross-border tech partnerships.
Since 2013, BRI projects have reportedly facilitated $2 trillion in global trade, with over 150 countries and regions participating. For students, this translates to expanded academic exchanges and career pathways. \"It's not just about roads and ports,\" said one Indonesian engineering major. \"We're building networks that let young professionals grow alongside emerging economies.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
