China’s New Silk Road in Europe | DW Documentary

Duisburg is home to Europe’s biggest inland port, and in 2014 was subject to a high-profile visit by Xi Jinping. Since then the German inland port city has most definitely been on the map in China - as the destination for an increasing number of freight trains from the country. Duisburg is, together with the likes of Liège or Genoa, one of the revived Silk Road’s gateways to Europe. The project is set to be completed in 2049, with the aim of consolidating China’s status as a global economic and political player. The most immediate manifestation of Beijing’s ambitions in Europe is the huge investment in logistics and infrastructure. The “Belt and Road“ initiative incorporates a network of railway lines, airports and shipping routes - most of them either run or controlled by China. Supporters in Europe point to the economic growth potential, while critics warn of growing dependence on China. The Silk Road project had been powering ahead in recent years - until a suc