Luís Manuel Brás Bernardino* Popular Republic of China is, by many specialists, recognized as a global actor in the framework of International Relations. As a result of a foreign policy denominated by ‘Going Out Strategy’, launched officially in 2001, China has emerged recently to this reality. More specifically since 2013, after the presentation of its new global connectivity strategy designated by ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, rising not only as an important economic, political and diplomatic player, but also of security, namely in Africa, where its presence is undeniable.

Dennis Zuev* The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become the largest infrastructure program in history, and has become a symbol of growing significance of China and its power.

Carmen Amado Mendes* The China-Lusophone Brief will publish a series of articles this week, as the result of collaboration with the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre (also known as CCCM).