The development of the Belt and Road Initiative
and the space for maritime economic development

This report analyzes the direction for the expansion of space for maritime economic development by relevant departments of maritime affairs and coastal regions in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative from the perspective of top-level planning, including the new geographical and industrial spaces. The report concludes that the Belt and Road initiative has the characteristic of ‘acting after good planning’, creating significant space for coastal regions to proactively and autonomously develop maritime economy. However, on the other hand, the BRI initiative also faces political and security risks and the domestic challenges like the game between the maritime and continental regions.