No major contracts have been canceled due to the pandemic, and the initiative is too important to Xi to be shelved. But seven years after the Chinese leader unveiled his vision of a modern Silk Road connecting continents, the future of travel and trade is uncertain. Analysts say the most ambitious international building spree since the Marshall Plan could be scaled down and refocused toward safer investments. Chinese state media have already begun trumpeting less costly global initiatives focused on technology and healthcare — moves that could further intensify China’s geopolitical tug of war with the U.S.
“The ultimate test of the BRI was always going to come when the global economy became less forgiving, and we’re in that environment now,” said Jonathan Hillman, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
“The rest of this year and beyond, China may spend more time renegotiating deals than negotiating new deals.”
Beijing insists that the initiative remains on track and that "there is a solid foundation and great potential for further cooperation" with Belt and Road partners, according to a report in state media last week.