Session: Session 1
Date/Time: April 24, 2018 / 13:00-14:30

Moderator:
Anna Fifield, The Washington Post

Speakers:
Kent Calder, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Alice Ekman, Institut Français des Relations Internationales
Han Sukhee, Yonsei University
Scott Snyder, Council on Foreign Relations
Zhu Feng, Nanjing University

Panel Description
China’s ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative is redefining China’s role in the world economy. With over $900 billion in investments covering more than 65% of the world’s population, OBOR aims to develop new markets, integrate far flung regions, and stabilize China’s borders. But as Chinese influence rises, critics argue that OBOR challenges the liberal international order by creating a Sinocentric global economic system. Some of the participating countries are concerned that Chinese investment may be tied to political concessions. How can countries benefit from OBOR without becoming vulnerable to Chinese political pressure? Is OBOR part of the LIO or a challenge to it?