#economics **China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)** is a large-scale infrastructure and investment project launched in 2013. Its goal is to build trade routes linking China to Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia through the development of **roads, railways, ports, and energy projects**. It spans over 140 countries, aimed at improving **global trade connectivity** and increasing China’s geopolitical influence. ### Key Features: 1. **Infrastructure Investment**: Roads, ports, railways, and energy projects. 2. **Trade Expansion**: Facilitates trade across continents, reducing transportation costs. 3. **Geopolitical Strategy**: Expands [[China]]'s influence through loans and partnerships in participating countries. ### Economic Impact: - Increases trade routes, enhances global economic connectivity, and improves infrastructure in developing countries. - **Risks**: Some countries face high **debt burdens** due to BRI loans, raising concerns over economic dependency on China.