Congressi 2009-2018

2016
The fact that many European countries have joined the newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB) and that even Britain, at the displeasure of Washington, joined it, clearly
shows how much Europe cares about China as a trading partner.
Italy may play a critical role in this framework, especially in relation to the sea route. Indeed
the North-Adriatic Sea is the most convenient point for reaching through the maritime route
the heart of continental Europe. However, in order to fully exploit the new opportunities a truly
integrated logistical network system must be constructed in the North Adriatic Sea. Indeed, the
different Italian logistical hubs need to cooperate among each other in order to create the necessary
economies of scale.
The initiative will enhance further economic integration between central Asia and Europe
and will bring widespread regional benefits. Thus, many Asian and middle-Eastern countries
are in the position to maximize their unique geographical position. With the right strategy their
position can be transformed into an economic and political asset.
But the New Silk Road is not only a logistical network intended to increase economic and
cultural exchange between Asia and Europe: it is also a potential powerful political instrument,
which can be used to foster cooperation at the international level. Such initiative is a great opportunity
to positively reshape the economic and political order in Central Asia, the Middle East,
and the Asian Pacific region by promoting a network of trade routes, political cooperation, and
cultural exchange. From this viewpoint, China should contribute to create a cooperative environment
where tensions among the different states involved in the network can be overcome.
The weak point of the new Silk Roads initiative is that any country between Europe and China
can block the policy. But what at first glance looks like a weakness, it may turn into a great political
opportunity for Beijing and the international community more in general. Indeed, China
can show to the world its “cooperative and constructive leadership”.
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