The China Circle and its implications for US

Geneva

THE successful launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and confrontations in the South China Sea have reignited debate over how the United States should deal with a rising China. The US has not yet offered an official response to China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative that marks an unprecedented shift in China's economic diplomacy from a low-key approach to an ambitious China Circle. A considered response is warranted - and the new Silk Road network could offer an opportunity for the US to engage with China in a constructive manner.

The initiative has two parts, namely, the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The concept was introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in late 2013. In less than 18 months, China has produced a comprehensive action plan with committed support from nearly 60 countries in Eurasia and beyond.