Xi Seeks to Revive Troubled Belt and Road Initiative at Forum Despite Mounting Obstacles

Xi Jinping promoted the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017 as the "project of the century", drawing $1 trillion in investment in its first decade.

Momentum for the initiative has declined recently due to China's economic slowdown, debt crises in participating countries, and strained US-China relations.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted Belt and Road projects, with annual engagement plummeting in 2020.

Critics accuse China of irresponsible lending and question whether the initiative benefits participant economies.

Xi aims to reinvigorate the Belt and Road at this week's forum, but faces headwinds like war in Ukraine, debt burdens, and waning interest.