From the ancient Silk Road to the belt and road initiative: Narratives, signalling and trust-building

Narratives help in interpreting and understanding surrounding political realities. Yet, the divergence of narratives may also create distrust, it is an important reason for greatly diverging perceptions Belt Road Initiative between China international community. This article explores how trust can be bridged different narratives. It discusses notions Chinese concept ‘brightness’ contributes to a strategic signalling process trust-building cooperation. proposes that knowledge building. Only when signal sent cooperation fits other parties’ about sender, succeed. compatibility signals developed result several rounds signalling, which sender’s honesty regarding their self-interests intentions necessary pre-condition.