Summaries of “Splendid China” Lecture 2 and 2
Submitted By: Sajad Ul Haq (何吉伍) 324120
Submitted To: Prof: Gao Yunhua
Subject Name: China Overview
Submission Date: 14 December
Donghua University
College of Computer Science and Information Technology
Part 1: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a major global development strategy that embodies
high-quality development, innovation, and international cooperation. The initiative, led by
China, is designed to foster global connectivity through a series of infrastructure projects,
including roads, railways, ports, and pipelines. The success of the BRI depends on the
implementation of five key indicators: people, policy, connectivity, coordination, and
commerce.
Geographically, the BRI spans several economic corridors, extending from China through
Mongolia, Russia, Central Asia, the Indochina Peninsula, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the China-
India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Notable examples of BRI infrastructure projects include
the China-Laos railway, the Hungary-Serbia railway, and significant investments in the
Piraeus Port in Greece. These projects underscore the BRI's broad scope and the significant
economic partnerships it cultivates across various regions.
A central aspect of the BRI's approach is the integration of design thinking to address
challenges and drive innovation. The Six-Step Design Thinking Process, which includes
comprehending, observing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, is key to
developing innovative solutions, particularly in areas such as textile and clothing resources in
the BRI regions. This structured approach helps in identifying user needs and creating tailored
solutions.
The BRI also considers historical developments, such as the 1960s for China and the 1990s for
Africa, which were pivotal in shaping the foundation of modern partnerships. Challenges, such
as low production costs, labour issues, and high transportation costs, are acknowledged as
barriers to the initiative's success.
The BRI’s alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
emphasizes its potential to contribute to global sustainability. The importance of financial
integration, facility connectivity, and policy cooperation is highlighted as crucial for
advancing the initiative. To address the complex issues within the BRI, collaboration, and
structured methodologies are essential. Tools such as the Empathy Map are recommended to
gather insights into user needs and perspectives, ensuring that the initiative remains adaptable
and responsive to evolving challenges.
Part 2: The Role of Silk in Modern Science and Technology
The second part of the report focuses on the origins and applications of silk, highlighting both
its historical significance and modern technological uses. Originating from ancient China, silk
is closely tied to Chinese heritage, as it was the first country to master the art of silkworm
cultivation, filature, and weaving. The Han glazed bronze silkworm artifact, dating back to
1984, serves as a testament to this long-standing connection.
In modern times, silk has found applications far beyond its traditional use in textiles. Silk
fibroin, the protein derived from natural silk, has become a prominent material in biomedical,
bioelectronics, and material science fields due to its sustainability and biocompatibility.
Unlike metals, inorganics, and synthetics, silk fibroin offers a safer, more sustainable
alternative for various applications. It is increasingly used in industries like medicine (for drug
delivery systems), health (wearable sensors), energy (efficient storage), and bioelectronics
(advanced circuitry).
Research into silk fibroin (SF) has led to significant advances in tissue engineering, where
silk-based scaffolds are used to promote cell growth and regeneration. Techniques such as the
NaOH/urea and TEMPO oxidation systems have been developed to create silk
nanoribbons, which are ultra-thin, highly functional, and versatile for a range of applications.
These nanoribbons can be used in photodynamic therapy to activate photosensitizing agents,
targeting and destroying cancer cells.
Silk’s potential extends further into tissue healing, with promising results seen in the
regeneration of bladder tissue and urethral repair. Additionally, silk is being investigated
for its role in the development of flexible brain-computer interface materials, which could
enable seamless communication between the human brain and external devices. The material’s
elasticity and conductivity are also being explored for creating next-generation wearable
technologies incorporating flexible electronics.
Another innovative application is in the development of bionic neural networks, where silk
could replicate the structure and functionality of natural neural systems, providing new
opportunities in neuroprosthetics and artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a powerful global strategy to
promote infrastructure development, innovation, and cooperation across multiple regions. The
success of the initiative hinges on key indicators like connectivity, coordination, and
commerce, supported by the integration of design thinking to solve complex problems and
foster sustainable development.
On the other hand, silk, with its deep historical roots in ancient China, continues to evolve as
a cutting-edge material with vast potential in modern science and technology. The diverse
applications of silk fibroin in medicine, tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and more,
underscore its value in addressing global challenges and advancing healthcare, technology, and
sustainable development.
Both the BRI and silk serve as examples of how innovation, historical heritage, and cross-
disciplinary collaboration can create lasting global impact. The integration of design thinking
in the BRI and the utilization of silk-based technologies for biomedical and environmental
solutions highlight the importance of forward-thinking strategies and sustainable practices in
addressing the needs of the future.
