The New Silk Road: Current Financial Trends and Vulnerabilities in the Transport Sector

Abstract

Studies of the main elements of the development of the New Silk Road project continue. The current situation in the financial management strategy, including its transport component, is considered. A model of international logistics system development in a graph model (cognitive map) is proposed. Based on the scenario analysis methods of complex systems, a number of scenarios are considered, and the most vulnerable components of the system are identified. The current state of transport integration and financial aspects of the development of the New Silk Road in terms of the global logistics system is considered. A comparative analysis of financing processes is carried out, taking into account the countries’ national interests participating in the New Silk Road. The prospects for strengthening economic and transport ties between China and the countries of the New Silk Road in the development of transport infrastructure, taking into account the specific model of rail transport, the development of national consumption markets, and the political influence of the subsequent inflow of foreign investment. This paper also assesses the financial and economic risks of China’s partnership system initiative. The tasks of China and the participating countries in the light of the many problems and the security of attracting foreign investment in the construction of numerous infrastructures in the event of a failure to return the foreign investment. The impact of COVID restrictions on rail transit along the New Silk Road route, along with increased security threats, is assessed.