China's New Silk Road

"China's New Silk Road" is an enlightening 2019 documentary film that offers an in-depth look into China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - a trillion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing the ancient Silk Road trade routes, connecting Eurasia by land and sea. The film examines the impact of this mega-project on different regions as it sweeps across more than sixty countries – a geographical scope covering around two-thirds of the world's population.

Directed and produced by John Liu, the film focuses on China's multi-dimensional approach to global influence and economic expansion, strictly from a geopolitical perspective. Rather than focusing on the Chinese internal perspective, the film provides a nuanced view from the countries which are part of this massive initiative - capturing both the optimism and apprehensions surrounding the project.

The movie opens with the inaugural ceremony in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurates the BRI in 2013, evoking the rich history of the Silk Road and its potential to promote global economic integration in the 21st Century. The film transitions smoothly from this historical context into an in-depth examination of the project's vast scale and complexity, and a consideration of its potential consequences.

"China's New Silk Road" takes viewers on a whirlwind journey across the vast expanse of Eurasia, sampling the massive variety of infrastructure projects that include ports, railways, roads, and industrial parks, all integral part of the BRI. The movie traverses myriad landscapes - from the rugged terrains of Central Asia, through bustling Southeast Asian port cities, to the peaceful, but strategically crucial, African seashores. This creates a cinematic and immersive experience that brings these ambitious projects to life in a visually spectacular manner.

The documentary raises thought-provoking questions about the economic, environmental, and geopolitical implications of the BRI. The film includes interviews with key stakeholders, including politicians, economists, environmentalists, and local citizens. These are all showing different perspectives on BRI's impact - some see it as a symbol of hope and progress, others express concern about the possible economic dependence or environmental implications. The film's approach to this complex issue is balanced, analysing both the positive developmental aspects, along with the potential risks and challenges that await.

One key point raised in the movie is the worry about how the countries that have accepted China's investments might struggle to pay back the loans, potentially falling into "debt traps". The movie delves into this concern, providing case studies from Sri Lanka to Malaysia, showing how it can become a reality, resulting in these countries having to surrender important strategic assets to China.

In addition to discussing the economic effects of the BRI, "China's New Silk Road" also pays significant attention to environmental considerations. The movie discusses the massive consumption of natural resources required for such large-scale infrastructure development and the associated ecological concerns. This sensitive topic is woven into the larger narrative, serving as a primarily potent critique against the BRI, particularly given China's complex relationships with environmental issues.

In terms of style, Liu's direction uses various forms of story-telling, expert interviews, on-the-ground journalism, animation graphics, and photojournalism, that helps in providing a multi-layered narrative — a significant strength of the film.

Overall, "China's New Silk Road" is an enlightening and complex film that succeeds in illustrating not just the grandeur and ambitions of the Belt and Road Initiative, but it also highlights the challenges and criticisms associated with it. Through different perspectives from countries along the corridor, this film provides a well-rounded view of the potential effects of this initiative on the global economic and geopolitical landscapes. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding China's rise and the implications of its growing global influence. In the end, "China's New Silk Road" is not just an exploration of a super project, but a contemplation on global power dynamics in the 21st century, encouraging us to reflect on the future of global partnerships and economic power.