The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The initiative aims to improve connectivity and trade across the world through the construction of infrastructure such as ports, skyscrapers, railroads, roads, bridges, airports, dams, coal-fired power stations, and railroad tunnels. The Belt and Road Initiative is also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) or the New Silk Road.

The Belt and Road Initiative consists of two main components: the overland Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a network of overland corridors that connect China to Europe through Central Asia, as well as to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The Maritime Silk Road is a network of sea routes that connect China to major ports through Asia to Africa and Europe.

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to address an "infrastructure gap" and accelerate economic growth across the Asia Pacific, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. However, some analysts see the initiative as a way to extend Chinese economic and political influence. The initiative has also stoked opposition in some Belt and Road countries that have experienced debt crises.

Despite criticisms, the Belt and Road Initiative has funded infrastructure and energy projects across the developing world, paving highways, constructing ports, and providing power and telecoms infrastructure. The initiative has also funded programs such as bamboo and rattan-weaving in Liberia, biogas technology projects in Tonga and Samoa, and promoting mushroom-growing technology in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda.