At a time when much of the West is distracted by faltering economic integration, renewed protectionism, and short-term policies, China is connecting with the outside world through a series of long-term economic investments. The project, known as the Belt and Road initiative, spans 68 countries through several land corridors and maritime routes. It covers about 65 percent of the world's population, which equals 40 percent of the global GDP. It is nothing less than the most ambitious geo-economic project in recent history, and it seeks to revive the ancient Silk Road.