JOURNAL LA SOCIALE
VOL. 01, ISSUE 01 (012-018), 2020

The “Belt and Road” Initiative and Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia
Akira Yonemoto
Faculty of Environment and Information Studies,
Keio University, Japan
Corresponding Author: Akira
Email: hbkrkzk@gmail.com
Article Info
Article history:
Received 08 January 2020
Received in revised form 15
January 2020
Accepted 22 January 2020
Keywords:
Belt and Road
Southeast Asia
Chinese Culture

Abstract
Since China's proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, the
relationship between China and Southeast Asia has continued to develop.
This achievement is inseparable from a large number of overseas Chinese
living in Southeast Asia. As an indispensable and unique force to promote
the construction of the “Belt and Road”, the Southeast Asians Chinese
have played an irreplaceable role: such as support of Chinese culture
spreading, building confidence and disambiguation among countries, and
economic and trade cooperation. The problems and challenges facing
Chinese culture in Southeast Asia are not only related to the development
of Chinese society in Southeast Asia but also the current development of
Chinese native culture. To overcome the problems and challenges
encountered in the process of inheriting Chinese culture in Southeast
Asia, we must clearly understand the status of overseas Chinese and the
role that overseas Chinese can play to maximize their role and influence
as carriers and bridges.

Background
Since China's proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, the relationship
between China and Southeast Asia has continued to develop. 2014 is the year of beginning
China-ASEAN cultural exchange. 2015 is the first year of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative.
In 2016, China-ASEAN economic cooperation was further deepened. 2017 was designated as
the China-ASEAN Tourism Cooperation Year. The progress made by China and Southeast
Asia in the political, economic, social, and cultural areas of the "Belt and Road" construction
has made Southeast Asia as a pioneer in China's "Belt and Road" construction (Zhang &
Weiwei, 2018).
Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia and the “Belt and Road”
This achievement is inseparable from a large number of overseas Chinese living in
Southeast Asia. As an indispensable and unique force to promote the construction of the “Belt
and Road”, the Southeast Asians Chinese have played an irreplaceable role: such as support of
Chinese culture spreading, building confidence and disambiguation among countries, and
economic and trade cooperation (Yuanyuan & Mengling, 2018). The following sections
exposition four aspects of the social performance of Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia,
namely the inheritance of Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia culture, the new characteristics
of Chinese enterprise development, and the analysis of the participation of the Chinese
community and Chinese media. The construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative has revealed
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some new trends and characteristics of the times of the overseas Chinese communities in
Southeast Asia in recent years (Zhang & Weiwei, 2018).
Indonesia
With the new development of China-Indonesia relations, overseas Chinese in Indonesia
actively seize the opportunities of the "Belt and Road" construction and promote the sound
development of China-Indonesia relations.
In 2015, overseas Chinese in Indonesia explored opportunities offered by ChinaIndonesia cooperation through various activities. For example, on January 28, 2016, the Hong
Kong Trade Development Council, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, the Indonesian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Science and Technology Commission of
Indonesia, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Indonesian Economic Development
Association jointly held a "One Income, Indonesian Revenue" meetings, and seminars.
These seminars have discussed investment opportunities in the “Belt and Road”
initiative. Zhang Jinxiong, deputy chairman of the Chinese Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
said, " It needs to be actively played that the role of overseas Chinese businessmen in Indonesia,
because about 70% of Indonesia's private economy is Chinese companies. The private
company economy is a very dynamic part. Overseas Chinese businessmen are deeply rooted in
Indonesia and have become the mainstream of society. " He also said that to understand the
investment policies of Indonesian companies, Chinese companies have invested a lot in
Indonesia and are familiar with the national conditions and Indonesian Chinese culture. Under
the general trend of reform and opening up, he has built a bridge for friendly cooperation
between China and Indonesia and will continue to play the role of bridge. China and Indonesia
will develop strategic links in the future (Xiaoqian, 2016).
Malaysia
Under the “Belt and Road” initiative, Wang Xiaoping, vice president of the China
Youth Exchange Association and the China Youth Overseas Exchange Association, has
established a platform for cooperation and exchange between the Malaysian Chinese
community and Chinese businessmen. He said China Overseas Exchanges Association will
lead more overseas Chinese companies to Malaysia. Join the country in construction and
investment along the “Belt and Road” initiative.
In recent years, China-Malaysia economic and trade relations have also made
significant progress. In 2017, bilateral trade volume reached 96 billion U.S. dollars, and it is
expected to exceed 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2018. China has become Malaysia's largest
trading partner for nine consecutive years and is currently the largest general contractor in
Malaysia's engineering sector. Malaysia is the first country to respond to China ’s “Belt and
Road” initiative. Over the past five years, several important cooperation projects have been
promoted between the two countries. Malaysia has become one of the countries that have
gained the most from the “Belt and Road” initiative. Land, aviation, and network forms rapidly
that promoted connectivity. Some highlights of the cooperation have attracted people's
attention: such as the construction of Malacca Port in Malacca, the construction of Malaysia's
East Coast Railway and the "high-speed railway" project.
Chinese ethnicity are the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia. China's political
parties and trade unions are very active, China's economy continues to develop, and China's
cultural activities are also positive. When promoting China's "Belt and Road" initiative,
Chinese Malaysians living on the "Maritime Silk Road" should play an active role in promoting
the development of various social and cultural resources.
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Singapore
Since China’s proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative in Southeast Asian countries,
Singapore’s geographical location and the financial status of global financial centers have made
Singapore a booster for this initiative. Economic transformation and upgrading Singapore have
reason to participate in the “Belt and Road” initiative. However, Singaporean society has two
different views on the “Belt and Road” initiative. One thing they should be actively involved
in the initiative, and the other side skeptical of the initiative. Therefore, to promote the
construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative, China needs to make full use of Singapore’s
unique advantages and strengthen their understanding of the “Belt and Road” initiative. Under
the new opportunities, China and Singapore should work together to achieve common
development and mutual benefit and win-win results (Jiawen, C, 2018).
Singapore has long been the “Belt and Road” initiative supporter and it is very active.
According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, nearly half of China’s “Belt and Road”
investments are in Singapore. Singapore's investment in China also accounts for 85% of the
total investment of the “Belt and Road” countries in China. We are currently building four
platforms to help develop the “Belt and Road” initiative.
It is not only necessary to rely on Chinese businessmen to promote economic and trade
cooperation, but also necessary to spread Chinese culture, in doing so profoundly affect the
culture of local Chinese people, and implement the “Belt and Road” initiative. At the same
time, China must rely on local Chinese media to form culture and identity.
Thailand
Among overseas Chinese, Thai Chinese use the platform of the Thai-Chinese Chamber
of Commerce, which the Thai government attaches great importance to, to discuss exchanges
and cooperation between China and Thailand. Overseas Chinese in Thailand play the role of
bridge, coordinate China-Thailand relations, and promote cooperation in the China-Thailand
railway project.
Overseas Chinese lives in Thailand are mainly to continue to complete two main tasks.
First, by actively attracting the Chinese capital of Thailand to participate in major projects in
China's domestic construction and the “Belt and Road” construction, a good investment
environment will be created. In recent years, China's investment in Thailand's infrastructure
has been increasing, especially the construction of the China-Thailand railway, which is not
only conducive to the overall development of the Pan-Asia Railway (Kunming-Singapore
Railway), but also the construction of Southwest China and regional transportation networks
in Southeast Asia (Yingying, 2018). The formation of this transportation network will promote
the economic development of the southwestern region and solve the employment problem
along the railway (Chen, 2018). This is very important for the development of East Asia. The
economic and trade cooperation between Southwest China and China in Thailand has a certain
foundation. In the future, it is necessary to attract Thai Chinese businessmen to continue to
increase their ability to attract investment and increase investment in the Southwest.
The next is to cultivate human resources who are familiar with the national conditions
and languages of the two countries and actively establish a foundation for cooperation. First, it
can be achieved by expanding the scale and channels of Thai students' enrollment. It also plays
a role in public diplomacy while promoting education in China. Second, encourage exchanges
and learning between scholars and students of the two countries. Huaqiao University in China
attaches great importance to the admission of Southeast Asian students and has established
Confucius Institutes and China Television in cooperation with Thai Agricultural University
and Thai Thammasat University. After the "Thai Government Officials China Project" was
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launched, students from various Thai provinces were recruited to study in China. Also, it
established the Thai Institute to conduct research on China and special research with Thailand,
the National Research Council of Thailand, and Thailand's Thai-Developed Relationships-in
cooperation with the China Cultural and Economic Association "China-Thailand Strategy
Seminar"-chaired. The conference has been held annually in China and Thailand since 2012.
Similar to university practice and experience, it can play an active role in promoting the Belt
and Road strategy.
Laos
Laos has played an intermediary role in China-Laos relations. Laos learned that the
development of the cooperative economy between China and Laos has promoted the peaceful
development of China and Laos. The active role of Laotian overseas Chinese in the
development of China-Laos relations will play a role in the construction of the "belt and road"
initiative and will have a greater impact and role.
The first is the role of promotions. As practitioners and beneficiaries of China-Laos
relations, the vast number of overseas Chinese in Laos personally understand the friendly and
cooperative relations between China and Laos and the spirit and essence of China's openingup policy. I understand that their development is an image. Explain that in daily contact with
people from all walks of life in Laos, explaining the “Belt and Road” initiative in their language
helps Laos understand and accept it. Also, China and Laos provided the "China-Laos
Cooperation Forum", a platform for full exchanges. The overseas Chinese businessmen,
enterprises, and institutions in Laos discussed, exchanged and promoted practical cooperation
in the atmosphere created by the forum.
Second, the role of bridges. In terms of China's comprehensive understanding of Laos,
strategies and policies, overseas China, Laos take full advantage of Laos with Chinese and
network resources, and the interconnected strategic China "Zhiquan District" actively
participates in Laos' integration. In 2015, the Lao Chinese business elite and the business elite
private sector promoted and strengthened the Lao People's Republic by effectively utilizing
Laos' overseas living, living, working and network advantages. It was established to integrate
into corporate groups. Cooperation, communication and common development between
companies between government, business, and the private sector (Yun, 2018). In February
2018, the Lao China Chamber of Commerce cooperated with the China Economic Information
Bureau of Xinhua News Agency to establish an “Integrated Information Service Platform”.
The Lao Chinese community plays a multi-channel role in the political and business
community of Laos, relying on the national level of the “Belt and Road” constitution.
Information service platform-"New Silk Road" information platform. Provide one-stop
integrated services for Lao Chinese institutions and companies and established institutions and
companies going to China.
Myanmar
Although the power of Myanmar's overseas Chinese is relatively limited, it can still
play a unique role in China's "Belt and Road" construction.
Economically, China has strong economic strength in Myanmar, and China has
invested valuable resources in Myanmar. Chinese companies' overseas expansion strategies
can make effective use of Chinese business networks. Through them, Chinese companies can
obtain effective information and help. To choose projects with stable expected returns and low
investment risks, reduce economic recession caused by lack of experience and overcoming
"cultural barriers" in cross-border projects.
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Cambodia
After the Cambodian election in 2018, the new government paid attention to economic
development, and the national economy maintained a rapid growth rate. The Cambodian
government strongly supports the construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative, and many
Chinese companies are interested in investing in Cambodia. In Cambodia, more than 90% of
businessmen are Chinese, and Cambodian Chinese occupy an important position in economic
development. Therefore, Cambodia also welcomes the circulation of the Chinese yuan in
Cambodia. This created favorable conditions for the development of Cambodian Chinesefunded enterprises, and also provided a good historical opportunity for the development of the
Cambodian Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The ancient Silk Road was a route formed over the years, but since the Middle Ages, the Silk
Road has gradually declined on land, mainly using the Silk Road of the sea. In history, during
the Han Dynasty, in addition to the seven large-scale voyages and peace for about 30 years in
the earthquake and bright era, the country also actively opened the Silk Road. In Southeast
Asia, businessmen and Chinese from China have moved abroad. However, on the Maritime
Silk Road before the nineteenth century, it not only formed a history of trade networks but also
played an important role in this regard. Modern Chinese Southeast Asian social groups in China
and Chinese companies in China use their networks with Asian and other industrialized
companies Cooperation, not only countries but the world will invest (China Overseas Chinese
Studies Institute, 2019).
The "Belt and Road" initiative concept was originally promoted by the Chinese government,
and its content and scope are unprecedented. This is the result of the deepening and blockade
of the global economy. It is understood that this is also an extension of China's economy in the
future. Many factors have caused the old Silk Road to decline many times, but one of them is
infrastructure issues. In terms of trade with the countries along the railway, the Chinese
government's goal is to realize the internationalization of the RMB. It is expected that the
original loans will be further expanded. The "Belt and Road" initiative concept has aroused
widespread interest in the international community, and if it goes well, it can be expected to be
beneficial and become another important driving force for global economic growth. But the
risks above cannot be ignored. The "Belt and Road" initiative concept provides huge business
opportunities for China and railway countries. At the same time, China and the countries
concerned will have a consensus that it is not a smooth road. In China, politicians in the Han
Dynasty from historical lessons. Trade in the Ming Dynasty severely restricted or banned
private trade, and the balance of national trade was broken. This is also a fact of influence.
Besides, the political, economic, cultural, and religious conditions of neighboring
countries are different. It is only for economic benefits that it is difficult for all countries to
mobilize. Also, in the established international order, China can, therefore, coordinate with
existing international rules. It is regarded as one of the issues for China's economic
development in the future. With the appearance of US President Trump, the Trump
administration's policy is to strengthen bilateral free trade agreements. The realization of RCEP
(East Asia Inclusive Economic Partnership) and the “Belt and Road” agreement by Overseas
Chinese in Southeast Asia companies is expected to further expand business opportunities. The
Chinese capital is the capital of China on the axis of the nation, but from the national axis, it is
the private sector of a country. Chinese capital as part of private capital is closely related to the
interests of the country of residence. If the country's economy is sluggish, the impact on
businesses will also be significant. If a company is in a downturn, it will also hurt the country's
economic takeover. This is something that both the government of the country of residence and
the Chinese themselves know. Under the influence of the social and political environment, the
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company conforms to its interests, national interests, the interests of the investees, and social
interests. Keeping balance, such as contribution, will become a shortcut to the company's
success, and Chinese companies are no exception. Although we can guess their investment
experience and investment industry to a certain extent.
This is an anxious character about future sports. So far, Chinese capital has played an important
role in China's economic development and infrastructure construction. In the 1970s, as in the
1980s, Asian economic growth was supported by Japanese companies and Chinese companies
in the future. The role played by the Chinese in Southeast Asia in realizing the “Belt and Road”
initiative and RCEP. However, Chinese companies may Increasing competition with foreign
capital and Chinese companies. To win the R & D while leveraging the power of China's
network, it is important to strengthen technical and management knowledge. Also, pay
attention to the risks of recurrent problems such as economic differences and ethnic groups. To
solve these problems, it is necessary to prepare to solve them regularly.
Conclusion
With the steady progress of the “Belt and Road” infrastructure construction, the existence of
“one-way” seems more important than ever. Of course, in the geopolitical context, the
importance of Southeast Asia as a "one-way" heavyweight is growing. Besides, "a cooperation
with ASEAN and China, Japan and related countries will be further strengthened. RCEP and
the “Belt and Road” initiative are the result of the deepening of economic globalization and
regional integration. The ability to alleviate political conflicts by deepening economic ties to
the world Peace and stability are vital. Therefore, reducing poverty and correcting economic
differences is not limited to one country. Various absorptions are needed all over the world.
Regional integration can improve the global economic balance. This is also the most important
point of the “Belt and Road” initiative.
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