If 2014 Round Table was an opportunity to speak on the convergence, 2015 was a an occasion to differ. That is because of the theme of the conference. Leaders from the media assembled at Boao Asian Forum in Boao on March 26 2015 to deliberate on “Building the Silk Road Consensus”
Jiang Jianguo, Minister of the State Council Information Office and deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made a keynote speech at the meeting, saying,”The media will be the bridges that help enhance understanding and friendship among peoples and nations. The further development of the ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative will not only bring more opportunities for cooperation to different countries and regions but will also create greater prospects for the media and a world stage on which it can perform.” The “Belt and Road” Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, projects which were put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his overseas visits in 2013
I am not skeptical about the implementation of Belt and Road initiative but as an Indian I had my concerns and reservations. My approach was based on realities. Being a super power with a strong financial muscle and leaders with resolve China will be going ahead with the project and we are not in a position to stall it. But then what India could do and how to take advantage from the inevitable was the focus of my paper and discussion. My Chinese friends were disappointed but respected my views. Tamil service of Chinese Radio International broadcasted the Tamil version of my speech . My speech can be read at:
English speech: http://maalan.co.in/opportunities-and-challenges-in-the-one-belt-and-one-road-initiatives/
Tamil Version: shorturl.at/sNX69
