No country looms larger on the horizon of the 21st century than China. Having benefited hugely from globalisation, China does not stand in truculent opposition to the current international system. Although it has resisted pressure to embrace western democracy, it is precisely the openness of the international order that has enabled the country’s rise over the past four decades.

During that time China committed itself to a vast and close study of the west, focusing particularly on advanced technology and the principles and practices of modern management. What it learnt not only changed the country, but has also changed the world.

The best lens through which to view modern China is the Belt and Road Initiative. No matter how grandiose the scheme appears, it stems from China’s own experience in the early stage of reform — better roads lead to better lives. Given that China is still a country with people who live below the poverty line, its vast infrastructure building projects in developing countries are understandable.