More than two millennia ago, the diligent and courageous people in Eurasia opened up several routes of trade and cultural exchange that linked the principal civilizations in Asia, Europe and Africa. These routes are collectively called the Silk Road, including both the Land-based Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road, by later generations. For thousands of years, countries along the Silk Road have enhanced communication and strengthened exchanges. They have contributed to promoting their mutual understanding and friendship and bringing prosperity to countries in the region. The spirit of the Silk Road "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit" has been passed down from generation to generation.

In the 21st century, a new era marked by the theme of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, it is all the more important for us to carry on the Silk Road Spirit in face of complex global economic and regional situations. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Central Asia and Southeast Asia in September and October of 2013, he raised the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (hereinafter referred to as the Belt and Road), which has attracted close attention and received widespread response from all over the world.

Not only is the Silk Road economically crucial to countries along the Silk Road, it is also an important resource for cultural development. To strengthen cooperation among countries along the Silk Road is to promote comprehensive development and stability of the region.

To further improve cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation among countries along the Silk Road, China Arts and Entertainment Group Company Ltd. (CAEG), endorsed and supervised by the Ministry of Culture of China, proposes establishing the “Silk Road International League of Theatres” (SRILT). The building of the SRILT is a systematic project. We will persevere in the principle of “negotiate, cooperate, and share” and proactively coordinate strategies of cultural and artistic development of countries along the Silk Road. Our aim is to revitalize the ancient Silk Road, which will, in new ways, cement ties and bring to a new height mutually beneficial cooperation between influential cultural institutions across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The SRILT is an open and inclusive organization. Cultural institutions of countries along the Silk Road are always welcome to participate. CAEG is more than willing to cooperate with the SRILT members in diversifying product types, planning the schedule for future development, and proactively coordinating our developing schemes with member units. The Silk Road is a channel of mutual respect and trust, a pathway for cooperation and common benefit, and a vehicle of mutual learning. As long as we work together to the same end, we can successfully complete the SRILT project and let people from countries along the Silk Road benefit from cultural development.

Approved by the Ministry of Culture of China, the SRILT was founded in October 2016. The League has now grown into an alliance of 130 member units from 2 international organizations and 42 countries and regions around the world. Fifty-three members are from within China (including 3 from Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR) . The other 77 members are from 2 international organization and 42 countries and regions .