ABSTRACT
In late April 2019, the Chinese hosted their second international forum for their One Belt, One Road Initiative (BRI) – their version of the New Silk Road. 36 heads of state or government attended the forum. Enthusiasm was especially apparent in four regions of the world. In Southeast Asia, China secured the attendance of top leaders from 9 out of the 10 ASEAN member states. In Central Asia, four out of the five regional countries sent their top leaders. In Europe, 12 of the 36 heads of state or government attended, including those of Russia and Azerbaijan. And in Africa, the five top leaders of Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique also attended. 1
