China draws on art to depoliticize Belt and Road plan

Free train rides for performers may help Beijing soften project's image

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Hong Kong artist Frog King Kwok, right, will be among those creating works as part of a special train journey along the "Belt and Road" from Germany to China. (Photo by Jens Kastner)

JENS KASTNER, Contributing writer

DUISBURG, Germany -- In a park next to the River Rhine, Kwok Mang-ho, also known as Frog King Kwok, shakes his shaman gong against the backdrop of a sprawling abandoned industrial plant while workmen set up exhibition tents.

Promoted as China's first-ever performance artist, Kwok describes Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative to improve infrastructure links between China and Europe as bringing goodwill and prosperity to the many countries along the so-called New Silk Road.

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