Can you define the Belt and Road Initiative? How about in a single word?!
CGTN sat down with twentysomethings from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Singapore and Kyrgyzstan to find out more about their home countries and experiences in China… and test their knowledge of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Global, infrastructure, initiative, ambitious, interconnectivity, project, investment, upgrade, transport, networks, boost, trade...
If you had to choose a single word to explain the initiative, what would it be? We sprang a surprise on the “Voices from the Belt and Road” students, asking each to come up with a one-word definition and explain their choice.
Globalization
“The Belt and Road, it’s not for two countries connecting, it’s for the whole world. Not only will China communicate with all these countries, but all these countries will communicate with each other.”
Oyka, Uzbekistan
Exchange
“For me, Belt and Road is an opportunity for cultural exchange. Lifestyles which are different, but sometimes common. It’s exchange, it’s experience and it’s culture.”
Valeria, Ukraine
Legacy
“We may have different demands and differences in cultures, traditions and nationalities, but we should all come together because there’s the possibility of building an everlasting legacy that we can pass on.”
John, Singapore
How much do you know about countries along the Belt and Road? Ever get confused between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan? Know how to perform a traditional Ukrainian dance?
Straight off the plane from Singapore, John thought he was covered with a huge bundle of 100 yuan notes… only to discover just how cashless a society China is becoming. And Oyka’s reliance on WeChat came back to haunt her when she returned to Uzbekistan, confronting a baffled store owner with the payment app when she realized she’d lost her wallet.
Cultural exchange is a big part of the Belt and Road Initiative, and Ukrainian Valeria was eager to show off her traditional dancing skills with host Nadim. Meanwhile, Feruza recalled just how difficult explaining Kyrgyzstan can be. And we learnt a few special talents… make sure you watch to the end of the video to check out fast-fingered John’s Rubik’s Cube skills.
Leaders from around the world are gathering in Beijing on May 14-15 for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation -- follow CGTN on APP and all social media platforms for all the latest news and behind-the-scenes livestreams from the summit.
