The once and future route to riches

Trade | Giles Chance

US President Barack Obama's east Asian visit in April to Japan and other countries around the South and East China seas diverted global attention from a major geopolitical event taking place on the other side of China: the emergence of China-led economic, security and diplomatic cooperation in Central Asia, focused on the countries on and near the historic Silk Road.

This development carries real potential to change the global balance of economic and geopolitical power.