---
title: "Belt and Road Initiative Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Belt and Road Initiative is China's global infrastructure program launched in 2013 to connect Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/belt-and-road"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Belt and Road Initiative is China's transcontinental infrastructure, trade, and investment programme launched by Xi Jinping in 2013 to link Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
- When and where was the Belt and Road Initiative launched?
- Why has India refused to join the BRI?
- What is meant by 'debt-trap diplomacy' in the BRI context?
- How have Western powers responded to the BRI?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In December 2021, China and Laos inaugurated the 1,035-km China–Laos Railway under the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Kunming to Vientiane and deepening Laotian debt exposure to Chinese lenders.

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