Trade initiative is 'direction of future'

Expert: Belt and Road strategy will be applauded years from now as visionary

The first US presidential debate might have been the most-watched event around the globe on Monday night local time, with the expected protectionist remarks made by candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Yet, at the same time, across the Pacific Ocean, the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China three years ago to foster economic ties, gained momentum as media from China and abroad expressed support.