Belt And Road Initiative Projects Research Articles

Roads to nowhere but the belt is Gucci: has China’s Belt and Road Initiative been successful so far and why?

This article assesses the success of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with respect to three objectives: strengthening China’s geopolitical stance, spurring geo-economic development in the Western regions and instilling a spatial fix to overaccumulation and thirdly, providing profit opportunities to troubled state-owned enterprises. I find that the BRI has only delivered on the third aspect, with even the BRI’s signature white elephant projects providing windfall incomes to the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) constructing and operating them. My explanation of this phenomenon is two-fold. Firstly, I argue that tense, coercive competition (Crotty, 1993) has spurred Chinese SOEs to revert to rent-seeking activity in order to stay afloat and realise managers’ cadre ambitions. As the state-owned Asset Supervision and Administrative Council (SASAC) evaluates manager performance based largely on company performance, demanding numbers that cannot be achieved under coercive competition in an environment of overcapacity, managers reverted to guanxi practices and corruption to secure under-the-counter deals, relying on soft budgets and beneficial lending practices. Amid tightening domestic regulation and Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, these strategies are becoming less viable and sustainable to pursue at home. As managers’ incentive structure has not evolved, pressure to seek rents persists, pushing SOEs to pursue their strategies abroad via the BRI. Secondly, the export of the strategies to persist amid coercive competition is enabled by a fragmented institutional environment, allowing SOEs to abuse asymmetries in information and outmanoeuvre stringent evaluation of their proposed BRI projects by mobilising political support through networks.

The Implication of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and Its Prospects

Originally dubbed the One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was China's 2013 global infrastructure plan to invest in over 150 nations and international organisations. It connects countries together and improved many infrastructure facilities. Now the BRI has passed its ten-year anniversary, within new socioeconomic status around the globe, China must develop new strategies to let the BRI to impact other countries successfully and positively. In the future, the BRI is likely to be influenced by five factors: Chinas current economy flow, the economy in Europe and Indo-pacific areas, other countries viewpoint on the BRI, the feasibility and effectiveness of Western alternatives and how popular and attractive the existing BRI projects are. The most important factor is that the goal of BRI is to create a community with a shared future of mankind, it is important to let other countries to understand this value and jointly build the BRI in the future.

Global South Responses to China’s BRI Projects: A Case Study of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Project

China's rise as a global power in the 21st century, marked by its economic growth and political influence, has been exemplified through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI has extended China's geoeconomic and geopolitical influence across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. While existing literature predominantly focuses on China's actions, this study shifts the spotlight to Global South nations' responses and strategic policies, particularly Indonesia, in the context of China's BRI projects. Drawing upon in-depth interviews, literature review, and social media analysis, this research examines how Indonesia has actively shaped the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway project within the BRI framework to pursue its objectives and interests. The study's findings highlight that the Indonesian government, in alignment with the principles of the BRI, is actively utilizing the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway project to advance its New Developmentalism approach under President Jokowi's administration. This approach embodies a narrow perspective of development by focusing on infrastructure and economic growth while ignoring political and environmental considerations. Concurrently, the project has encountered resistance from local communities, underscoring the contrasting interests between the government and the public and adding a nuanced layer to the dynamics of the BRI. This case study sheds light on the complex interplay of interests and power dynamics within the context of China's BRI projects in the Global South. It underscores the importance of considering the responses and agency of host nations and local communities in shaping the outcomes of BRI initiatives.

Assessing Structural Transformation and the Potential Impacts of Belt and Road Initiative Projects in Africa

AbstractInfrastructure development, central to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is crucial for facilitating structural transformation. However, numerous critics contend that the Initiative serves as a tool for China to engage in debt-trap diplomacy, which fails to deliver actual development in Africa. Therefore, assessing whether BRI projects will facilitate the necessary structural transformation in these countries requires meticulous analysis. Given the extended project cycle typical of infrastructure development, evaluating the overall socioeconomic impacts of the BRI is challenging. Nonetheless, these projects are likely to be implemented as part of the expansion of China's existing model for overseas infrastructure projects. This model is characterized by a reliance on concessional loans and credit facilities for financing, and state-owned enterprises as contractors. Contrary to the debt-trap diplomacy narrative, our findings, based on panel data and staggered difference-in-differences analysis, indicate that Chinese projects have positively impacted multiple aspects of Africa's structural transformation process.

The Economic and Geopolitical Implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Eastern Europe: A Case Study on Serbia

This paper critically analyses the economic and geopolitical consequences of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Serbia. The primary focus is on the initiative's effects on the country's infrastructure development, employment, and trade sectors. The study adopts a positivist research ethic and employs a deductive technique. It utilizes quantitative methodologies by administering an online survey to 350 practitioners actively engaged in BRI projects in Serbia. The data analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. The research findings demonstrate that the infrastructure investment and employment generation associated with the BRI have had notable positive impacts on Serbia's economic and geopolitical development. Moreover, it has been discovered that trade dynamics with China have the potential to bolster economic growth and foster positive geopolitical relations. Nevertheless, the study admits many limitations, including a restricted sample size and the lack of qualitative data. Future study recommendations encompass the need for enhanced stakeholder engagement on a wider scale and the implementation of longitudinal studies to effectively capture the dynamic and evolving impacts over time.

Review of the Research on the Belt and Road Initiative in Myanmar

Abstract The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is among the largest transnational development initiatives globally. In this article, we review the research on the BRI in Myanmar, a developing country that is of considerable geopolitical importance. To date, the BRI literature has made three central contributions: it has captured much of the complexity of BRI projects, filled a notable research gap in BRI studies, and raised awareness of local voices. In addition, two analytically meaningful topics are worth exploring, namely the contested relations (1) between China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prospective Chinese BRI investors and (2) between the Myanmar government and local anti-BRI groups. Responding to the current focus of the literature and to advance future research, we recommend that scholars consider the analytical framework of state transformation to disaggregate statehood, account for diverse actors, and explain their contested relations. Because it challenges state-centric frameworks (e.g., realism and Westphalian national sovereignty), the state-transformation model can yield theoretically and empirically stimulating findings.

An investigation of financial openness, trade openness, gross capital formation, urbanization, financial development, education and energy nexus in BRI: Evidence from the symmetric and asymmetric framework

Clean energy development can bring numerous benefits, such as decreased greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and increased job opportunities in the green industry. These advantages can be achieved through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. Ultimately, adopting clean energy can lead to a healthier planet and economy. Energy availability and scarcity influence the aggregated economy. The present study explores the interrelationships between financial openness, trade openness, gross capital formation, urbanization, financial development, education, and energy within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations. A panel of 56 nations has considered empirical investigation for 2002–2020. The coefficients extracted from CS-ARDL revealed a catalyst role of openness in the energy mix, especially the inclusion of clean energy both in the long run and short. The asymmetric evaluation revealed that positive negative shocks in openness lead to a positive association with energy consumption. Moreover, the asymmetric association was also exposed through the execution of a standard Wald test. The study findings show that FO, TO, and GCF are critical in energy sustainability in BRI nations. It implies that clean energy inclusion in the energy mix might be amplified, and energy sustainability may be ensured. The energy transition of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations is significantly affected by financial, trade, and domestic capital adequacy. The success of sustainable energy policies is determined by several factors, which play a crucial role in countries participating in BRI projects; the findings provide insight into the complex interdependencies among the variables above and their effects on the energy dynamics within the BRI region. Furthermore, the research findings hold considerable significance for policymakers as they offer valuable insights into the possible synergies and trade-offs among these factors that can facilitate sustainable energy transitions in the BRI economies.

Multiple proceedings and abuse of procedure on BRI disputes

Abstract This article argues that specific mechanisms and best practices should be adopted by different players in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) dispute resolution ecosystem to mitigate the risks of multiple proceedings and abuse of procedure. Specifically, (i) states should enhance their multilateral and bilateral treaty practices; (ii) arbitral institutions should enhance their arbitral rules as well as cooperate with each other; and (iii) states should direct more efforts to dispute prevention and amicable dispute settlement. This article will explain what these best practices and mechanisms are. The ‘The BRI’ section will provide a general background on the nature and architecture of the BRI. The ‘Problem of multiple proceedings and abuse of procedure’ section will discuss the notion of multiple proceedings and abuse of procedure. The ‘Potential of multiple, parallel proceedings and abuse of procedure on BRI projects’ section will focus on possible multiple proceedings and abuse of procedure on BRI disputes. The ‘Possible solutions and recommendations’ section will identify possible solutions and provide recommendations. Conclusions section will draw final conclusions.

Environmental technology import and carbon emissions intensity convergence: Analysis for the Belt and Road Initiative countries

Since the official launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, China and the BRI countries have been working for the implementation of certain environmental measures to make the BRI project green and clean. For this purpose, China and the BRI countries have planned to implement certain environmental measures. Although China can efficiently implement these measures, most of the BRI countries face technological deficiencies and lack of proper environmental plannings. To tackle these deficiencies, the BRI countries can import environmental technology from China. Moreover, they can communicate their environmental protection policies with China for better policy guidance. The current study, therefore, aims to examine whether the BRI countries’ import of environmental technology from China can reduce carbon emissions in these countries. Moreover, it also examines that whether these countries should follow the environmental policy and the import policy of China or they should follow the six European countries (EU-6) with minimum carbon emissions intensity. This study considers a sample of 88 selected BRI countries (BRI-88) for the period 2001–2019. The results obtained with β convergence (based on the panel quantile regression model) suggest that not all the BRI countries but only the BRI countries with relatively higher carbon emissions intensity can significantly reduce their average carbon emissions intensity by importing environmental technology from China. Moreover, BRI countries can follow the environmental policy of China which is more feasible for them. However, regarding the environmental goods import policy, BRI countries can follow both China and the EU-6.

How does the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ change urbanisation patterns in Southeast Asia?

This paper examines how Chinese transnational investments, as (re)framed in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), contribute to changes in urbanisation processes in Southeast Asia. On the ground, the BRI becomes contextualised and intersects with local and national development trajectories. The growing presence of Chinese actors in the region intensifies urban dynamics, especially in secondary cities and emerging urban sites, where the BRI is used as a lever for local internationalisation strategies. The heterogeneous nature of the links between the BRI and various large urban projects is demonstrated on the basis of case studies involving changing consortia of private and public Chinese and Southeast Asian actors. A regional approach allows us to identify connections and shared processes across Southeast Asian countries. It provides a historically grounded understanding of how the BRI incorporates long‐term interactions with China and more recent partnerships in Southeast Asian countries. The paper paves the way for a research agenda that contests the image of China as a monolithic actor implementing the BRI uniformly and consistently. Further analyses are needed to examine systems and networks of actors as well as the local urban politics that affect the BRI on the ground.

Stay Useful, Stay Relevant: Singapore's Institutional Diplomacy toward China's Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract: Since China unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, few Southeast Asian countries have responded as potently as Singapore. Singapore's distinctive approach toward China is marked by carving out institutional niches within the broad blueprint of the BRI. This strategy is largely in line with the city-state's longstanding foreign policy tradition of making itself useful and relevant from the perspective of major powers. After elaborating on the historical evolution of Sino-Singaporean economic cooperation, I focus on three prominent manifestations of Singapore's institutional diplomacy toward the BRI and Chinese capital more generally, i.e., the establishment of "Infrastructure Asia", forging institutionalized legal partnership deputed to resolve disputes arising from BRI projects, and building a structured management approach to advance connectivity projects in Chongqing. Since Singapore opts for a soft and forward engagement strategy, the BRI has not caused organized local opposition.

How Chinese Capital Exacerbates Structural Violence: Externalization, Extraction, and Reaffirmation against Ethnic Minorities in the Global South

Abstract: How does Chinese capital exacerbate structural violence against ethnic minorities in host countries? While a growing number of works examine the effects of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and non-BRI Chinese projects, these works focus on economic effects, political impacts, or negative socioenvironmental ramifications on communities. However, there has yet to be work on the specific relationship between Chinese capital and ethnic relations in the host country. In the form of major BRI and non-BRI projects, we suggest that Chinese capital acts as an external stimulus that gives ethnic coalitions, which often comprise host country elites who represent the majority ethnic groups, the power to design and finance large-scale ventures. We argue that three mechanisms, particularly externalization, extraction, and reaffirmation, exacerbate structural violence against ethnic minorities. Through field research, analysis of government documents, and literature review, the cases of the Philippines, Pakistan, and Myanmar illustrate our argument. The shadow case of Xinjiang strengthens our argument as well.

The China Belt and Road Initiative: The Struggles and Opportunities for the SMEs Development of an Emerging Economy

Following the economic crisis in 2008, several Algerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in key economic sectors were negatively affected. More than 30,000 companies closed in a single year and more than 70,000 jobs were lost as a result of the financial crisis. These negative effects led to several bankruptcies and a deterioration in business management. The government’s efforts to address the crisis include an important measure to promote SME development under the China–Algeria Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, there are divided concerns with regard to the impact of the BRI, which seems to reflect on both prospects and challenges for SME development. Therefore, this study aims to explore the struggles and opportunities of BRI projects in the development of local SMEs in Algeria. In this study, a combination of face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions are conducted with 20 participants. The target group includes general managers, CEOs, entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs. All interviews were recorded face-to-face, later transcribed, translated and thematically analysed. The results show that the BRI has positive impacts on SME development, which reflect on economic opportunities, namely, trade partnerships, market efficiency and productivity, and improve employment opportunities. However, the dominance of Chinese enterprises and the lack of appropriate enterprise policies are among the challenges that hinder the rapid development of SMEs. Therefore, policy reform is needed to ensure the enforcement of foreign enterprise policies that limit the dominance of foreign enterprises and instead encourage the expansion of local enterprises to promote socio-economic growth.

Impact of China's belt and road initiative on logistics management in Africa: a bibliometric analysis

PurposeThe belt and road initiative (BRI) emanates from China and seeks to connect Europe, Asia and Africa through transport and telecommunications infrastructure. Despite the importance of Africa in the BRI network, very little research has been done on the BRI in Africa, and even less of this emanates from Africa itself. In particular, considering that the BRI investments in Africa are largely transport related, there is almost no research covering the area of logistics, which should be greatly affected by the infrastructure investments. This paper sought to establish the current state of logistics research related to the BRI in Africa.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis was conducted on documents extracted from the SCOPUS database.FindingsThe findings indicate that there is a lack of research in critical areas such as environmental, social and economic impact of BRI transport investments, governance, logistics performance and international cooperation. In particular, there is a massive gap in local knowledge regarding the BRI.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to published research indexed in the SCOPUS database. Future research directions include empirical studies into BRI project initiation investigation, economic and environmental impacts, governance structures and policy intervention requirements and macro-level logistics impacts.Practical implicationsThe study emphasises the importance publishing all the relevant information regarding BRI related projects in Africa to create transparency.Originality/valueThe study investigates the current research on the effect of China's BRI on transport and logistics in Africa through a bibliometric analysis. The investigation reveals that while there are huge investments in infrastructure, the actual effect on logistics of participating countries in Africa has not been interrogated.

Belt and Road Initiative in Developing Countries: Lessons from Five Selected Countries in Africa

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a household name for developing countries, especially in Africa. The BRI proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping was positively received by many countries, including policymakers in China. In response, the Chinese Government committed to investing USD 1 trillion over ten years from 2013 to 2023. As a result, 152 countries signed a cooperation agreement with China to work under the BRI framework. The BRI has played a vital role in addressing the global infrastructures gap through the construction of modern highways, airports, high-speed railways, bridges, power generation (hydropower), and industrial parks. As a result, this has enhanced connectivity and economic growth between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Despite the BRI’s significant role in strengthening trade, infrastructure and investment links between China and other countries, there is limited literature on specific countries’ experience with the initiative. This study, therefore, will advance our understanding of the BRI, especially on the conceptualization of the term; comparative analysis of Africa–China relationships before and after the BRI; the benefits in relation to the “Five Connectivities” and the challenges the BRI is facing in Africa. The article is based on a literature review and case study as research methodologies mainly used the Policies, Projects, Initiatives, and Strategies (PPIS) as a data source. The study focuses on five African countries; Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Djibouti, and Mozambique. These countries were selected purposefully for analysis because of their experience, long-term relationships with China, and strategic locations. The findings revealed that the BRI lacked a clear description and that it was difficult to distinguish between BRI projects and other regular economic or diplomatic relations. The study also identified four differences between Africa–China relationships before and after the BRI. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the BRI has positively contributed to all five connectivity pillars. However, the major challenges reported concerning the initiative from the various countries were: procurement corruption, low/lack of involvement of stakeholders, high compensation prices, labor violations, increasing debts, and environmental hazards. In conclusion, while the BRI has brought about significant infrastructure development and economic benefits, the project has also experienced some challenges. This study, therefore, contributes to the body of knowledge on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on African countries, specifically in Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti, Mozambique, and Egypt. The paper then provides conclusions and policy implications as well as future research opportunities in the current body of the literature.

Greening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Mapping China's Green Infrastructure Development Policy

This article examines China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project through the green development discourse and green financing policies. Under the BRI, China disseminated 183 billion United States dollars (USD) as energy finance for BRI countries to achieve the capacity building to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030. I attempt to critically analyse how China promotes its eco-friendly infrastructure development policies through the BRI projects. The first question is why China construct ecologically smart and sustainable development projects under the ambitious ongoing BRI. And secondly, how China is creating comprehensive strategies and policy coordination for implementing green infrastructure development projects in BRI countries. Moreover, this paper argues whether the 'Chinese model' of green development is successful and why it encounters criticism in terms of environmental records, carbon neutrality and conservation methods.

The Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for Infrastructure Development and Economic Integration in Eurasia

This comprehensive study presents a meticulous analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its profound implications for the intricate interplay between infrastructure development and economic integration in the expansive Eurasian region. By exploring the historical context and elucidating the intricate origins of the BRI, the study sheds light on its fundamental principles and multifaceted components. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the momentous significance and vast scale of this initiative, providing a nuanced assessment of the prevailing state of infrastructure in Eurasia while elucidating the pivotal role infrastructure plays in propelling economic development. The study discerningly navigates through the myriad challenges and opportunities that arise in the pursuit of infrastructure development in the region. Moreover, it delves into the intricate fabric of economic integration in Eurasia, meticulously analyzing the dynamic impact of the BRI on trade and investment flows, and elucidates the far-reaching influence of this initiative on fostering regional economic cooperation. Additionally, the study conducts a meticulous examination of specific projects, dissecting their outcomes, and conducting an in-depth analysis of the manifold successes and challenges encountered throughout BRI projects. Drawing upon these insights, the study distills invaluable lessons learned and identifies best practices that serve as a beacon for future infrastructure development initiatives. The findings of this study furnish a comprehensive understanding of the intricate implications of the BRI on infrastructure development and economic integration in Eurasia, providing essential insights for policymakers, investors, and project implementers alike.

Belt and Road Initiative: Case Studies from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Thailand

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has proved controversial amongst some members of the international development consultant community. Whilst the concerns are no doubt genuinely held, the questions that need to be answered are: What are the issues of concern? Are they unique to the BRI, or do they apply to all International Financial Institutions (IFIs)? Developing countries desperately need funds to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They largely depend on International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. In addition, grants and loans can be provided by individual donor countries. Despite the number of IFIs, funds are limited, especially for major projects such as ports and airports. Examples from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand are provided to discuss the issues surrounding BRI projects in these jurisdictions. The most benefits to the country will come with the maximum level of involvement of all levels of society in the project. Nonetheless, China has made some miss-steps along the way. Keywords: BRI, Belt and Road Initiative, International Financial Institutions, international development, infrastructure

Barriers to Social Responsibility Implementation in Belt and Road Mega Infrastructure Projects: A Hybrid Fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC Approach

Social responsibility strategies are indispensable for the sustainable development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Nonetheless, the application of social responsibility (SR) policies in such mega infrastructure projects remains a pressing concern since a number of barriers impede the effective integration of SR practices. Therefore, this paper seeks to identify these barriers and determine the interrelationships among them. A list of barriers was first identified from a literature review and expert consultation. Subsequently, a survey was designed to collect experts’ views on the interrelations among these barriers. The Fuzzy DEMATEL method was employed to analyze these barriers’ causal relationships and interdependencies. Subsequently, the ISM approach was used to develop a hierarchical structure and establish the driving and dependence relationships among them. The classification of barriers, based on driving power and dependence power, was accomplished using the MICMAC analysis. The results reveal that barriers such as “The diverse institutions, cultures, and social conditions among BRI countries”, “Lack of robust social responsibility laws and regulations in the host countries”, “Lack of stringent and legally binding BRI policies and guidelines governing social responsibility”, “The diverse environmental and social frameworks and standards among BRI countries”, “The diverse international, national, and private funds for BRI projects”, and “Lack of customer awareness and knowledge of CSR” are the most critical barriers and have the greatest influence on social responsibility implementation. Identifying these key barriers and their interrelationships will assist decision-makers, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in BRI mega infrastructure projects in minimizing or overcoming them, hence increasing the chances of successfully integrating social responsibility practices within these projects.

Beyond the spatial fix: towards a finance-sensitive reading of the Belt and Road in Serbia

ABSTRACT The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been theorised as a spatial fix to China’s overaccumulation problem, and as such, an implicitly productivist endeavour. This article opens up conceptual space to consider how historically and geographically mediated forms of financialisation have tempered the unfolding of the BRI in peripheral economies. Drawing on the Serbian post-socialist transition context, financialisation has been characterised by underinvestment and a persistent dependency on foreign, market-based capital inflows which have (1) precipitated state transformations to mobilise Chinese financing for BRI projects, strengthening the role of the state in industrial rejuvenation; and (2) created an institutional palimpsest conducive to non-productive forms of surplus value appropriation that demonstrates the hybridity of accumulation imperatives underlying the BRI.