SILK ROAD 2.0 STARTS HERE: HONG KONG’S AMBITION TO BECOME CHINA’S GLOBAL ‘SUPERCONNECTOR’
OPINION
SILK ROAD 2.0 STARTS HERE: HONG KONG’S AMBITION TO BECOME CHINA’S GLOBAL ‘SUPERCONNECTOR’
In an era where global trade routes are being redrawn, Hong Kong is positioning itself as the pivotal hub in China's expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often dubbed the modern Silk Road.
The special administrative region has unveiled an ambitious strategy to enhance connectivity with key partners, leveraging new and expanded commercial air routes to destinations in ASEAN countries and the Middle East. This move not only underscores Hong Kong's self-perception as a "superconnector" for international trade but also highlights its role as a vital bridge between mainland Chinese enterprises and burgeoning emerging markets.
Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Hong Kong's commissioner for the Belt and Road, recently shared these plans in an interview with the South China Morning Post. He emphasized the city's intent to "deep dive into ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East" through innovative air linkages.
Building on an already robust network of over 150 direct routes, Hong Kong has introduced flights to strategic locations such as Xinjiang in northwest China, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Dallas, Texas—a key gateway for onward connections to Latin America.
These additions are designed to facilitate smoother trade flows, passenger travel, and cargo shipments, aligning with China's broader vision of global economic integration. Hong Kong's appeal as a connector is rooted in its unique strengths: political stability, an open economy, and unparalleled connectivity. As Ho noted, with investment capital and talent increasingly flowing eastward, a significant portion is settling in Hong Kong.
The city boasts world-class financial services, a common law system, and a strategic location at the crossroads of East and West. According to official figures, Hong Kong channels approximately 50-60% of China's outward financial flows, handles 55-65% of inbound investment into the mainland, and intermediates 20-30% of China's overall trade. This financial prowess has made it indispensable for funding BRI projects, from infrastructure loans to green bonds, attracting multinational corporations and investors seeking a foothold in Asia's dynamic markets.
Yet, Hong Kong is merely one facet of Beijing's grand blueprint for global connectivity. Launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the BRI—originally known as One Belt, One Road—envisions a network of trade corridors spanning continents, inspired by the ancient Silk Road that once linked China to Europe and beyond. At its core are six primary economic arteries: the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, which boosts energy and resource trade across northern Asia; the New Eurasian Land Bridge, connecting China to Europe via high-speed rail through Kazakhstan and Russia; the China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor, facilitating access to energy-rich regions like the Caspian Sea; the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project involving ports, highways, and energy infrastructure in Pakistan; the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, aimed at enhancing South Asian connectivity; and the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor, linking China with Southeast Asian nations through Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Complementing these land routes are over three dozen additional pathways, including the Maritime Silk Road, which utilizes upgraded ports and shipping lanes to reach Africa, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Notable land-based sub-corridors include the China-Laos Railway, operational since 2021 and revolutionizing freight transport in Southeast Asia, and the Iran-Turkey Railway, which extends westward influence. Emerging projects like the Qatar-Turkey "dry canal"—a proposed overland alternative to the Suez Canal—further illustrate the initiative's innovative scope. Infrastructure forms the backbone of the BRI, with investments exceeding $1 trillion across more than 150 countries. Key examples include the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline, supplying natural gas from Turkmenistan; the Myanmar-China Oil and Gas Pipeline, ensuring energy security; and the proposed Iran-Pakistan-China Pipeline, which could reshape regional energy dynamics.
The Digital Silk Road adds a technological layer, deploying fiber-optic cables, 5G networks, and satellite systems to foster data connectivity and e-commerce. Huawei and other Chinese tech giants have been instrumental in these efforts, building undersea cables and smart city infrastructure from Pakistan to Kenya. Air cargo routes also play a crucial role, exemplified by the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg corridor, which has transformed Zhengzhou into a major aviation hub for European-bound goods. These aerial links complement sea and land routes, enabling faster delivery of high-value items like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
Hong Kong's push to become China's global superconnector is a microcosm of the BRI's transformative potential, blending historical ambition with modern innovation. As the world navigates geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties, this initiative could redefine trade patterns, fostering prosperity across continents. However, its success will depend on sustainable development, equitable partnerships, and addressing concerns over debt and environmental impact. For Hong Kong and China alike, the Silk Road 2.0 represents not just connectivity, but a bold step toward a multipolar economic future.