A new book launched in the Chinese capital is shedding light on the far-reaching influence of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), documenting how Chinese-built infrastructure has made its way onto coins and banknotes issued by countries around the world.
Titled Chinese Imprints on World Currency, the publication was unveiled during a symposium and launch ceremony attended by senior government officials, corporate leaders, and foreign diplomats. The book highlights how Chinese-backed infrastructure projects have become lasting symbols of international collaboration, cemented not only in steel and concrete but also in the currency of partner nations.
The book catalogues 121 coins and banknotes from 58 countries, each bearing images of infrastructure developed with Chinese involvement. The numismatic collection underscores how the BRI has fostered deepening global ties through landmark development projects.
A notable contributor to the projects featured is China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), with 18 of its developments depicted in the book — the most of any single company. These include Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, Croatia’s Pelješac Bridge, and Guinea’s Kaleta Hydropower Station.
In his remarks at the launch, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei praised the book as a timely and meaningful work, reflecting what he called “the inevitable trend toward a shared future for humanity.” He reaffirmed China’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.
Wang Haihuai, General Manager of CCCC, shared the company’s experience participating in the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable global development while honoring the legacy of the ancient Silk Road.
The event drew a wide array of participants, including ambassadors from over ten nations such as Cape Verde, Algeria, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Egypt. Many diplomats praised the BRI’s achievements and expressed interest in deepening both economic and cultural engagement with China.
Chinese Imprints on World Currency serves as a symbolic record of China’s expanding global partnerships and the enduring legacy of the Belt and Road Initiative in shaping the world’s infrastructure and diplomacy.
