China’s ‘silk road’ progressing: Japan wants to participate
One Belt, One Road Corridors ()
The BBC reported the following:
15 July 2017
China calls it the project of the century – a massive roll-out of Chinese-built infrastructure to remake the map of the global economy with China at its heart.
Some see this new Silk Road as an opportunity, others as a power grab. …
Wu Xiaodong remembers the day he joined the railway. It was 1983. China had a mere 1% of world trade and, aged 17, his own ambitions went no further than a free uniform and a free train ride.
“Our trains were like tractors. We were running a steam railway.”
Now China is the world’s number one trading nation and he’s proud to be a foot soldier on President Xi Jinping’s new Silk Road. …
Chinese emperors once claimed to rule all under heaven. With the US retreating from global leadership on free trade, President Xi has seized his chance. …
Beijing’s vision is about much, much more than a railway. It’s about roads, pipelines, ports, industrial zones and shipping routes. China is promising to spend almost $1trn on infrastructure to boost trade. …
India and Japan see a plan to embed Chinese money and muscle across three continents, to take control of strategic ports and amass geopolitical influence. So when China uses the phrase “Silk Road” it is a subtle reminder of traders who came not with gunboats at their back but with laden camel trains. …
China is counting on the Silk Road to become a magnet for the domestic travel industry. …
China’s “project of the century” is just so vast and so vague, it may take a century to grasp its significance. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/new_silk_road
Biblically, I do not believe that it will take a century to see the significance of the Silk Road project, which is also called the One Belt, One Road project.
Before getting to how this project seems to tie in with biblical prophecy, notice something reported in the German press:
During talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the fringes of the recent G20 summit in Hamburg, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed Tokyo’s intention to participate in Beijing’s ambitious “One Belt, One Road” economic plan, a significant concession from a government that had previously distanced itself from Chinese economic and development initiatives.
Analysts say that while the Japanese leader is hoping for a windfall for domestic companies, he also recognizes that Japan simply cannot afford to be left out of a growing international project without any say in its future direction. Yet another motivation is to pressure President Donald Trump’s administration to re-engage with its longstanding allies in the Asia-Pacific region instead of permitting China to seize the initiative.
The grand One Belt, One Road project is a combination of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and is designed to promote connectivity and cooperation among Eurasian nations via land and sea. The project demonstrates China’s quest to play a larger role in global affairs and coordinate manufacturing throughout the region. …
Previously, Japan had been reluctant to commit to the plan. For years, it has provided development assistance and loans to many of the signatories to China’s belt plan and now it fears its aid is being eclipsed. …
“The ‘One Belt, One Road’ scheme is a cause for concern for Japan on several levels,” said Stephen Nagy, a senior associate professor of international relations at Tokyo’s International Christian University.
“If Japan does not take part, then it will lose out on infrastructure development projects that will then be monopolized by Chinese companies,” he told DW. “Some huge numbers are being suggested in terms of the investment and if Japanese firms only get five percent of that work it will still be a big bonus to them. …
“Tokyo is sending a signal to Washington that it is willing and able to diversify its relationships in the region and that it is not relying solely on the US any more,” Nagy said.
He pointed out that Washington downgrading its role and commitment to the region benefits neither the US nor most of the Asia-Pacific region, although China and North Korea would almost certainly welcome Washington’s retreat.
“This withdrawal of the US from Asia is a real problem for Japan, for economic and security reasons,” said Robert Dujarric, director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at the Tokyo campus of Temple University.
“Japan feels that it has been stabbed in the back by the US pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal and it is exploring other options,” he said. “And most other countries in the region would far rather that Japan and China be on good terms because no one wants more chaos.
“Japan has always been a trading and investing nation and the ‘One Belt, One Road’ proposal offers good opportunities for Japanese firms,” he said. 07/14/17 http://www.dw.com/en/japan-commits-to-chinas-one-belt-one-road-initiative/a-39686569
So, now we see Japan wishing to participate in China’s project. Those who have thought that Japan would always be tied more to the USA than China have overlooked biblical prophecies (cf. Revelation 16:12-16)
China’s ambitions are immense. It intends to build roads to the Middle East and elsewhere. The ‘Silk Road’ project of China expects to increase China’s influence in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and even Africa.
The picture at the beginning of this post shows several proposed corridors for the One Belt, One Road (yes, there are more than one)–where, in a sense, all roads lead to China (China is shown in red). The countries shown in orange are all members of China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The corridors shown in black are primarily land routes, while the blue is over the seas.
It is fairly certain that at least part of the roads China proposed will be built and are likely to be involved in helping military forces one day gather in Armageddon as the following prophecies will come to pass:
13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. (Revelation 9:13-16)
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)
Only China and others in Asia are capable of producing an army of that size. Roads to Armageddon will be built (a related video is available: Is China paving roads to Armageddon?).
Despite its economic success, China faces several challenges internally as well. Notice the following from 2010:
China will do anything to grow its economy, as the alternatives will lead to political unrest. A lot of peasants moved to the cities in search of higher-paying jobs during the go-go times. Because China lacks the social safety net of the developed world, unemployed people aren’t just inconvenienced by the loss of their jobs, they starve (this explains the high savings rate in China) and hungry people don’t complain, they riot. Once you look at what’s taking place in the Chinese economy through that lens, the decisions of its leaders start making sense, or at least become understandable. (Vitaliy N. Katsenelson. China: No Shortcut to Greatness. The Daily Reckoning, March 1, 2010)
So, China has to be careful. It is likely to have unrest, even though it is getting wealthier. The 21st century will not be “China’s century” as some have claimed. China has a lot of real problems.
The BBC article hinted that part of the reason for the Silk Road project is to deal with internal problems that China has:
15 July 2017
With the economy slowing back home, state construction companies are being put to work abroad, their projects backed by state loans. Although China says its plans are for the benefit of all, most jobs here will go to Chinese workers, and the loan that secured the contract – for nearly $2bn – was tied to a Chinese design.
Critics say China is exporting its problem of excess capacity at the expense of neighbouring countries, which will be left with white elephants and debt. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/new_silk_road
Some believe that this project will give China a major debt problem that will harm it (see Will debt derail China and its ‘One Belt, One Road’ plan?). And that may well be the case.
The Bible tells of a time when the “kings of the sunrise” (literal translation of Revelation 16:12) will get together. That would include China and Japan (as well as Korea and others).
They will travel towards the west.
They will travel on land, sea, and probably some via air.
Land and even sea routes are planned by the Silk Road project.
Yet, some of what China is starting to build will be used by troops that will ultimately gather in Armageddon.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Is China paving roads to Armageddon? China is working on something known as the ‘Silk Road’ project or the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. NBC reports that China intends to spend one trillion dollars to build roads, bridges, railroads, and maritime facilities to reach from China to Europe and China to the Middle East. Over 60 nations, including Russia, are involved with this. Could this Silk Road project possibly produce thoroughfares that could be used by troops that will amass at Armageddon? Dr. Thiel discusses this project and some of its potential prophetic ramifications in this video.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? Here is a machine-translated link to that article in Korean: 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?; here is a link to that article in Mandarin Chinese: W(˜„ŠN-v„—éVýÿg NûOU‹ÁNºTÿ . A prophetic video is also available: Syria, North Korea, and Prophecy.
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic? A related video is titled: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
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