US to get involved in China's Silk Road project: Officials
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BEIJING: US companies are ready to get involved in China’s Silk Road project, an American official said Sunday, as Washington strikes an increasingly cooperative tone with its biggest trade rival.
President Donald Trump was scathing about China’s trade policies on the campaign trail, but relations have warmed in recent weeks as the US leader softens his stance.
At an international summit in Beijing showcasing China’s ambitious One Belt, One Road initiative, US delegate Matt Pottinger said American companies had “much to offer” the project.
“US firms can offer the best-value goods and services required over the life of a project,” said Pottinger, who is special assistant to Trump and the National Security Council’s senior director for East Asia.
“US firms have a long and successful track record in global infrastructure development, and are ready to participate in Belt and Road projects.”
Representatives from dozens of countries are taking part in the forum, which China hopes will spur a revival of the ancient Silk Road trade routes and increase its influence on global trade and geopolitics.
But Pottinger warned that the project’s success would depend on a number of factors, including “transparency” in government procurement, “high-quality financing” to avoid unsustainable debt burdens and broad participation.
