For centuries globalization was largely shaped by sea. While Western maritime (近海的) nations rapidly developed through colonial expansion, nations surrounded by land     1     (trap) in a cycle of exploitation and poverty. Over the past decade, a transformative initiative (倡议)     2     (begin) to break this cycle and is restoring the economies of inland countries. That is the Belt and Road Initiative,     3     (establish) in 2013.

These intercontinental railways have greatly reduced trade costs by providing a swift and cost-effective alternative to sea or air freight (货运), thereby driving the growth of global trade. According to the World Bank, the Belt and Road Initiative could reduce global trade costs     4     as much as 1.8 percent. China now has 86 freight train lines     5     are linked to more than 200 cities in 25 European countries and regions and more than 100 cities in Asia,     6     (cover) almost the entire landmass of Eurasia.

The Belt and Road Initiative has attracted the     7     (participate) of more than three-quarters of countries     8     (globe), substantially improving the lives of 30 percent of the world’s population. It should not be forgotten that China’s role in developing basic facilities in less well-off countries     9     (be) something their Western colonial masters never did. And contrary to     10     Western pessimists say, that help comes with no strings attached. For China, everything these countries gain from its help is a gain for the world.