One Belt One Road – Opportunities and Risks for Singapore

Abstract

The “One Belt One Road Initiative” (OBOR) is one of the key geopolitical and strategic developments shaping the world today. Touted as the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, OBOR aims to connect the eastern part of China’s coastal cities with Europe via the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

OBOR, officially announced by China in 2013, stretches through 65 countries that collectively have 60% of the world’s population. These 65 countries also produce around 33% of global GDP. Some commentators misguidedly add to the hype by including infrastructure projects that are not part of the OBOR initiative in their analyses. This trading network will deepen and broaden the country’s strategic engagement with Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Europe.

Keywords: OBOR, Belt and Road, China, Singapore, One Belt One Road