Network formed under BRI to help tackle language barriers

Language educators from more than 50 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative formed a network on Monday in Beijing to help remove language barriers and address cultural misunderstandings.

The initiative was proposed by China 10 years ago in a tribute to the ancient Silk Road trade route, which stretched from China to Europe. Its reach has since expanded, encompassing regions that use about 60 different languages.

Zhai Dongsheng, director-general of the Belt and Road Center of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that language is the basis of communication and cooperation, and inaccurate translations can result in negotiation hurdles and diplomatic misunderstandings.