Unlike so much of the ugly narrative, even the ugly bits and pieces of this project (i.e. buying up ports, putting countries into debt traps etc.) - this one is

Unlike so much of the ugly narrative, even the ugly bits and pieces of this project (i.e. buying up ports, putting countries into debt traps etc.) - this one is different because there's a real, underlying material reality here. It's rational economic impetus, and probably a 'good idea' for the Chinese. Frankly, it may be good for many more than the Chinese. a) Other nations will be connected b) It can be 'two way' as well. Just like the UK, and later the US controls the high seas for the benefit of every merchant, and developed important projects like the Panama Canal and ensures everyone, even economic competitors have access (Russian, Iranian warships through the Suez during peacetime, even though the US has de-facto control), China is to some extent doing the same. The Belt-and-Road is 'what China needs' but it will also be beneficial to others so long as it does not get politically messy.