During his state visits to the Middle East and Southeast Asia in September and October 2013 respectively, Chinese President Xi Jinping first introduced the concepts of “Silk Road Economic Belt” and “21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”. In February 2015, the central government set up high-level working group to guide the construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative.
Up to the end of 2015, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn has published a total of 3,006 articles, including 848 news stories, 16 photo stories, 177 exclusive interviews and 262 research results. Since it was released, the page has been viewed more than 330,000 times.
The "Belt and Road" initiative injects new vitality into international communications. During the past year, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn has published 45 reports on leaders’ speech and material that further elaborated the development concepts of the initiative.
The establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) infuses fresh blood into economic development in Asia and Pacific region. On Dec. 25, 2015, the AIIB was formally established. Throughout the year, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn has published 315 news reports and analysis related to the AIIB.
Countries along the “Road and Belt” will share more convenient customs clearance. On Dec. 24, 2015, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) held a news briefing on deepening customs reform and further facilitating trade. Yu Guangzhou, head of the General Administration of Customs, introduced related information and answered media questions. In 2015, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn has published 119 news reports on this subject.
Transportation among countries along the “Road and Belt” is increasing. In the first 10 months of 2015, a total of 1,058 freight trains traveled from China to Europe, connecting China with 11 foreign cities of seven European countries. The special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn published 479 articles last year related to the issue.
The development of free trade zones is witnessing new prospects. Up to now, China has signed and enforced 14 free trade zone agreements with 22 foreign countries and regions. The trading partners are located in Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Europe. Last year, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn published 159 news reports on the topic of free trade zones.
Countries along the “Road and Belt” are engaged in various cooperative activities on culture, education and sports. In 2015, scio.gov.cn reported pm 139 concerts with a Silk Road theme, more than 70 seminars and forums on the “Road and Belt” initiative, and nine new book launches on the issue.
Chinese provinces and cities are actively promoting projects related to the “Road and Belt” initiative. Last year, 11 coastal provinces and cities released their development plans for the next five years with the “Road and Belt” initiative being the guideline. During 2015, the special column on the "Belt and Road" initiative of scio.gov.cn has published over 1,850 news reports focusing on provincial economic development and corporation.
