This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon sources/sinks in arid urban ecosystems through Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) analysis, aiming to reconcile urban expansion with ecological conservation in Urumqi, a core city on China’s Silk Road Economic Belt. Combining multi-source remote sensing data (MODIS, Landsat, NPP-VIIRS) with socioeconomic datasets, we developed a hybrid framework integrating CASA model and soil respiration algorithms to quantify NEP dynamics in Urumqi City (2005–2020). Machine learning approaches (Random Forest) and spatial econometric models were applied to identify dominant drivers, with particular focus on policy-induced land use/cover change (LUCC). Three key findings emerge: (1) NEP exhibited 15-year cumulative growth (+ 27.3%), with carbon sink hotspots concentrating in ecologically restored southern suburbs (910.14 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹), contrasting with carbon source clusters in northern industrial zones (-19.68 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹); (2) Following the 2010 ecological redline policies, localized improvements in carbon sequestration capacity were detected (average enhancement approximately 18.9% in high-response zones), although the overall NEP trend remained statistically stable across most of the study area (non-significant in > 95% of pixels). These results indicate that policy-induced LUCC facilitated spatially concentrated carbon sink strengthening rather than a citywide enhancement. (3) Random Forest modeling revealed LUCC as the predominant driver (18.36% importance), outweighing climate factors (precipitation: 12.7%, temperature: 9.4%) and socioeconomic parameters (NSL < 5%). Our findings challenge the urbanization-carbon loss paradigm by demonstrating targeted land use optimization as an effective policy instrument for dryland cities. The machine learning-enhanced framework provides transferable methodology for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) monitoring in arid regions.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China marked a new phase in the country’s external openness and growing desire to influence regional and global processes. However, the BRI should not be viewed solely as a Chinese blueprint for restructuring Eurasia. The broad interpretative and geographical scope set by the Chinese authorities allows for flexibility in adapting the initiative to specific regions and countries, which is strategic for modifying or withdrawing commitments as needed. This paper examines why BRI has not become the foundation for a Chinese concept of Eurasia despite its significant impact on regional geopolitics. Our analysis begins with a critical examination of President Xi Jinping’s speech at Nazarbayev University in 2013, where we identify the nuanced usage of “Eurasia” that primarily refers to the post-Soviet space, rather than the entire Eurasian continent. We delve into the subsequent official documents, noting the delay and ambiguity in defining the geographical and conceptual boundaries of the BRI. The 2015 document “Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road” illustrates the extensive yet vague geographical scope of the initiative, which suggests that China did not initially aim for a broad Eurasian strategy. By employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), we uncover how China’s official rhetoric strategically frames the BRI. Our analysis reveals that Chinese discourse emphasizes bilateral rather than multilateral engagements within Eurasia, reflecting a “point-topoint” rather than a networked approach. This strategic ambiguity allows China to navigate its relationships with key regional players, notably Russia and the Central Asian states, without committing to a comprehensive Eurasian integration framework. The findings highlight the cautious and adaptive nature of China’s engagement with Eurasia. The shift from a regional to a global scope in BRI discourse underscores China’s pragmatic approach in balancing its regional ambitions with global aspirations.

This study aims to examine China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation under the leadership of President Xi Jinping with more than 100 countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a geo-economic order of developmentalism in the Indo-Pacific region to rival the United States (US) with its liberalism. BRI offers developmentalism based on investment-driven economic growth and infrastructure boom. BRI is also a geoeconomic phrase that shows China's geopolitical interest in controlling at least 45 percent of the world economy, whose potential lies along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. This explanatory research tries to explore further the grand strategy carried out by China in a transformation from the previous leadership era of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Hu Jintao, to Xi Jinping. Then, BRI expanded, as Chinese investment in infrastructure expanded throughout the Indo-Pacific. The data was drawn from a literature study spread across official Chinese government websites (china.gov), journal editors, online media, and e-book provider sites. The findings highlight the declining role of the US in the international world under the leadership of Donald Trump, so that it a strategic opportunity for China to overtake the US. However, the US is no longer the only world hegemon. China is trying to introduce developmentalism as a counter-order to the liberalism that has been promoted by the US.

National development strategies can reshape urban land-use trajectories, but empirical evidence on how such strategies translate into spatially heterogeneous urban expansion across diverse geographic contexts remains limited. This study examines urban expansion in China’s Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) over 2000–2023 under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We integrate Landsat-derived built-up land mapping (and the Urban expansion intensity, UEI) with an inter-calibrated nighttime light (NTL) series, spatial hotspot–coldspot statistics, and a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) design to assess corridor-associated changes. Results show substantial built-up land growth across the five study provinces, with clear east–west differentiation: Jiangsu and Henan contribute the largest absolute increases, whereas Xinjiang exhibits stronger relative growth. Hotspot–coldspot analysis reveals persistent spatial inequality, with high-expansion clusters concentrated around metropolitan cores and key node–corridor systems, while extensive low-expansion clusters persist in peripheral or constrained areas. The DID estimates indicate a statistically significant post-2013 differential increase in UEI for corridor cities relative to comparable non-corridor cities, and parallel-trend and placebo diagnostics support the robustness of this finding. Methodologically, the study offers a replicable workflow that links satellite-derived land-conversion outcomes with causal-inference diagnostics and spatial clustering evidence. Conceptually, it advances “policy elasticity of urban space” as a lens to interpret heterogeneous responsiveness to state-led corridor strategies and to inform adaptive, region-specific planning in transregional development corridors.

This paper examines the potential implications of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Initiative for Ghana, offering a prospective analysis rather than an assessment of active implementation, as Ghana is not yet a formal participant in the initiative. Launched in 2013, OBOR—comprising the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road—aims to expand trade, investment, and infrastructure connectivity between China and emerging economies. Drawing on a qualitative research approach, the study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, policy analysis of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) frameworks, and an evaluative case study of the Bui Dam project to explore the likely economic and developmental outcomes of Ghana’s potential participation. The analysis focuses on key areas including trade relations with China, infrastructure development, employment generation, and possible effects on Ghana’s balance of payments. Findings suggest that deeper engagement with OBOR could enhance infrastructure financing and accelerate economic growth through improved connectivity and large-scale development projects. However, the study also highlights significant risks, particularly the potential marginalization of local manufacturing industries due to increased import competition and structural trade imbalances. The paper concludes that while strategic participation in the OBOR Initiative may be vital for Ghana’s long-term infrastructure and development goals, these benefits can only be sustained if accompanied by strong domestic industrial and trade policies. In particular, the government must prioritize the protection and expansion of local manufacturing capacity to ensure that engagement with OBOR supports inclusive growth and strengthens the domestic economy rather than undermining it.

The Xiongnu, as a significant variable and influencing factor in the Silk Road Economic Belt since ancient times, played a crucial role in the development of ancient economies and cultural integration. To delve deeper into the ethnic characteristics of the Xiongnu, this work begins by examining the lifestyle traits of nomadic peoples, analyzes historical records from China's ancient primary sources regarding the Xiongnu tribes and their leaders, and concludes that the Xiongnu's tactics were adapted to their unique characteristics. The work contains contents recorded in the ancient Chinese historical books Shiji and Hanshu, analyzes in detail the unique living habits of the Xiongnu, such as nomadic life and plundering economy, and lists the common strategies and practical experiences of the Xiongnu in war with the Han court, so as to explain the relationship between the ethnic characteristics of the Xiongnu and their war strategies. Therefore, this work summarizes that the Xiongnu are not just a barbaric, uncivilized nation recorded in some historical materials. On the contrary, these nomadic people have rich strategies and their own wisdom, so that they can cope with the powerful Han Dynasty.

Analysis of the evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of salinization in arid regions based on multi-factor interaction with optimized parameter geographic detector (OPGD)1.

Against the backdrop of disrupted global supply and value chains, impacted geopolitical landscapes, and policy shifts in developed countries, the global economy faces significant uncertainties, which have exerted various influences on China's foreign investment. China has put forward the initiative of jointly building the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st-Century Maritime Silk Road". The performance of foreign direct investment is a core issue related to the security and returns of a country's overseas assets as well as the success or failure of multinational enterprises' internationalization strategies. With changes in the global economic pattern, various industrial transformations, the expansion of foreign investment scale, and unstable political situations, this paper, based on literature review, finds that the impact of foreign investment risks is mainly introduced from factors such as political, economic, social and cultural, and legal factors. Finally, looking into the future, it is proposed that in politics, more efforts should be made to strengthen cooperation with other countries; enterprises should enhance their own risk management capabilities; and in terms of investment targets, more investment should be directed towards emerging industries.

In the macro context of the deepening of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, the digital transformation of education in Central Asia has become an important starting point for deepening people to people and cultural exchanges and promoting productivity cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan. As an important node on the Silk Road Economic Belt, Kyrgyzstan has long been constrained by pain points such as uneven distribution of educational resources, shortage of high-quality teachers, and weak digital infrastructure, which have hindered its higher education popularization rate and quality. It is urgent to achieve educational equity and quality improvement through online education platforms. This paper comprehensively uses cloud computing, microservices, artificial intelligence and open source technology, and focuses on the research of online education platform system in Kyrgyzstan under the background of the "the Belt and Road", to design and implement an online education platform for Kyrgyzstan's national conditions. This platform is based on cloud computing and supports switching between Chinese, Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages. It provides features such as live classes, adaptive learning, and learning analysis. The research shows that the online education platform based on cloud computing can effectively integrate the education resources of both China and Kyrgyzstan, and provide the countries along the "the Belt and Road" with replicable and promotable "China solutions".

The article, The Role of Georgia in the Middle Corridor of the Ancient and Modern Silk Road, provides a brief historical overview of the ancient Silk Road, accompanied by evaluations from various experts on Georgia’s role along this historic caravan route. The paper assesses the New Silk Road initiative and Georgia’s transit function within the Silk Road Economic Belt project. Active involvement in the New Silk Road is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Georgia, particularly through increased investments in the fields of transportation and logistics. The New Silk Road facilitates the improvement of trade relations between Asia and Europe. The Middle Corridor enhances Georgia’s strategic position along the New Silk Road and presents new logistical opportunities for the country.

ABSTRACT Central Asia is crucial to China’s strategic goals, including energy security, regional stability, economic expansion, and geopolitical influence. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, China rapidly established diplomatic ties with Central Asian states, forming strategic partnerships exemplified by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative launched in 2013. However, the opaque nature of Chinese foreign policy complicates direct analysis of its regional strategies. Within this context, the tightly controlled narrative of Chinese state media serves as an essential indicator of governmental positions and policy directions. This study conducts a thorough analysis of Central Asian portrayals in prominent Chinese state media outlets, specifically People’s Daily and Global Times, spanning the last two decades. Employing quantitative text analysis techniques, this study tracks and elucidates China’s state media coverage of Central Asia, shedding light on the strategic narratives crafted by the Chinese government. The findings demonstrate that both the intensity and thematic focus of media coverage shift in tandem with changes in China’s diplomatic posture and strategic objectives. These adjustments in media narratives are indicative of geopolitical and economic objectives, aligning closely with China’s diplomatic engagements and strategic shifts. This nuanced analysis provides deep insights into the mechanics of China’s policy toward Central Asia, offering substantial implications for policymakers, academics, and strategic analysts focused on Asia-Pacific geopolitics. Moreover, the findings lay the groundwork for future investigative directions, proposing the adoption of qualitative content analysis and detailed country-specific studies to deepen the understanding of China’s influence in Central Asia.

China’s Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) has emerged as a transformative force in the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia since its inception in 2013. While the existing literature has evaluated the economic impact of the mega-project, research on the foreign policy adjustments of the individual states has been limited. This paper explores how Uzbekistan reorients its foreign policy approach in response to the SREB, balancing the US, China and Russia. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges presented to the recipient state in the milieu of SREB. This study discusses the shifts in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan since its independence in 1991. Furthermore, it also aims to highlight the role of SREB in the changing geopolitical dynamics and shifting balance of power in the region. The data used in this paper is collected from different secondary sources like books, articles etc. and the design of the research is case study. This study infers that SREB has made Uzbekistan transform its foreign policy from isolationism to economic engagement and regional integration. Although some concerns regarding debt trap are there, but the region is experiencing a clear shift in the balance of power due to increasing economic of China. This research contributes to the emerging geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia and foreign policy realignment of individual states in response to these shifts

Recent years have been characterized by a serious transformation of cooperation in the Greater Eurasia, as well as the strengthening of Russian-Chinese cooperation against the backdrop of a deep geopolitical crisis in relations between Russia and the countries of the collective West. It is customary to talk about a new level of interaction between Russia and China, as well as the development of partnership in the Eurasian space. Especially when it comes to the interaction of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB). In his article, the author attempts to study the implementation of cooperation between Russia and China in order to analyze the issues of integration processes in which the Russian Federation and China participate. The author comes to the conclusion that in order to better understand the features of the integration projects of Russia and China, it is necessary to give an analysis through the historical and political section of the development of both states and their participation in institutional processes in the Eurasian region. It has already been recognized that today integration processes are most actively implemented mainly at the regional level. Both Russia and China demonstrate great interest in participation and integration processes. However, if we talk about integration processes, then undoubtedly both Russia and China have their own vision of integration processes. And if the first state focuses on the activities of states, the second works with initiatives. At the same time, the political and ideological foundations for the creation and implementation of integration projects of Russia and China are based on the principles of sovereignty, independence, social justice and economic development. These principles determine the strategy and tactics of international cooperation of both countries, helping to strengthen their positions on the world stage and ensure stability and prosperity in the region.

The Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB), a major 21st-century initiative, aims to revive the historic Silk Road by connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of trade and cultural exchange routes. This study aims to assess sustainable development across sixteen countries situated in South Asia, West Asia, and Africa-regions that are central to the SREB but face diverse environmental and socio-economic challenges. To achieve this, a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach is proposed, combining the Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) and Operational Competitiveness Ratings Analysis (OCRA). The MEREC method is used to determine objective weights for sustainability indicators by evaluating the impact of each criterion's exclusion, while OCRA is employed to evaluate and rank countries based on both beneficial and non-beneficial indicators. The findings reveal significant disparities in sustainability performance across the studied countries. Israel ranked highest in sustainability, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal, while India showed the lowest performance. These results provide valuable benchmarks and strategic insights for regional policy planning and sustainable development efforts within the SREB framework.

Reducing CO2 emissions is essential for sustainable development but faces challenges like politics, resources, technology, markets, and energy structure. This study uses UN and World Bank data from 1960 to 2020 to analyze CO2 emissions trends and factors in 50 belt and road (B&amp;R) countries. Methods include fitting techniques, decoupling theory, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The data are assessed using fitting methods, decoupling theory, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The CO2 emissions of countries in southeast and central Asia show a fluctuating upward trend, whereas a slow downward trend is shown in eastern and southern Europe. The epicenter of CO2 emissions in B&amp;R began to shift to the southeast in the 1990s, but it has remained consistently in the northwest of B&amp;R geometric center. Key B&amp;R emission factors are population density, urban population, and hydroelectric power. To reduce B&amp;R emissions, three recommendations are proposed: 1) to establish a B&amp;R alliance and promote the development of low‐carbon industries in B&amp;R; 2) to realize coordinated development of the upstream and downstream communities in the B&amp;R industrial chain; and 3) countries in the B&amp;R region shall foster the development and utilization of clean energy while focusing on stable economic development.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, represents a pivotal framework for global connectivity, encompassing infrastructure development, cultural exchange, and economic integration. Built on the historical Silk Road, the BRI consists of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "Maritime Silk Road," spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe. Through investments in transport networks, energy grids, and maritime ports, the initiative seeks to establish a new model of international cooperation based on policy alignment, financial integration, and people-to-people exchange. While proponents view the BRI as a platform for mutual development, its implications extend beyond economic growth. The initiative is a cornerstone of China's soft power strategy, enhancing its influence by exporting its development model and reshaping global governance norms. Research underscores its impact on Africa, where infrastructure projects align with Agenda 2063, emphasizing industrial growth, trade enhancement, and regional connectivity. Despite these benefits, concerns about debt sustainability, geopolitical maneuvering, and governance challenges persist. Using qualitative methods, this paper evaluates the BRI's dual role as an economic tool and a soft power strategy. It examines the initiative's integration with Africa’s development goals, highlighting theoretical insights into international cooperation. The BRI’s success depends on fostering equitable partnerships and addressing geopolitical complexities. This study underscores the initiative's transformative potential in reshaping global economic dynamics while reflecting on its broader implications for governance and sustainability.

ABSTRACT In 2013, China launched a cooperative initiative to build the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”. Based on the data of import and export trade between 57 countries along the “Belt and Road” and China from 2010 to 2021, this paper conducts research using the spatial Durbin model. The results show that the double fixed-effects model is optimal. The 57 countries along the “Belt and Road” have significant positive spatial spillover effects on trade with China, among which economic development, educational development, and transportation accessibility have significantly promoted trade between the countries along the “Belt and Road” and China.

In recent years, the accelerated urbanization process in China has led to increased land resource constraints and unregulated expansion, imposing significant pressure on ecosystems and the environment. As a critical node along the Silk Road Economic Belt, the Turpan–Hami region has experienced rapid urban development under policy support but faces challenges in resource utilization efficiency and sustainable development. To address these challenges, this study innovatively combines nighttime light remote sensing data to quantify urban economic development intensity and integrates socioeconomic and natural environment indicators based on previous research. Four tree-based ensemble learning models—Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Categorical Boosting (CatBoost)—were employed to predict potential urban economic development suitability zones and their suitability intensity. The results show that the CatBoost model performed the best in suitability prediction, revealing significant spatial disparities: high-suitability areas are concentrated in regions with superior resource conditions and well-developed infrastructure, whereas areas with terrain constraints and inadequate infrastructure exhibit lower suitability. An analysis of changes over historical periods (2010, 2015, and 2020) demonstrates a gradual expansion of high-suitability regions over time.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to analyse existing and future alternative transport and transit routes, including through the Silk Road Economic Belt project of the People’s Republic of China. In the course of the study, it was noted that infrastructure initiatives under the Silk Road Economic Belt project could have a positive impact on the development of the economies of the closed, landlocked countries of Central Asia. It was found that if the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is extensively upgraded and border downtime is reduced, the freight transport potential will increase from 18,000 to 1,335,000 twenty-foot equivalent units. Actions are being taken by the states involved in the operation of the route to modernize and increase cargo traffic, and the cargo plan for 2024 is about 4 million tonnes compared to 2.8 million tonnes in 2023. Export opportunities for a number of countries have not changed significantly, with Uzbekistan’s figures rising sharply to a record $24.4 billion. The governments of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan intend to implement the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project as soon as possible. The results obtained indicate the intention of further cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure development.

Generally speaking, Chinese enterprises are facing a variety of environmental risks in the investment of the countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt, especially in Central Asia. For example, the environmental risk brought by the construction project itself, the environmental regulation risk of the host country, the risk of environmental damage liability, the risk of resolving environmental disputes and the risk of international public opinion and so on. These risks have different degrees of impact due to the natural and economic and social development of the host country, the environmental protection norms system of the host country, international bilateral and multilateral environmental protection rules and domestic environmental protection norms. In the face of many environmental risks, China should learn from the international useful experience and embed the concept of "community with a shared future for mankind" from the perspectives of perfecting norms, enhancing dialogue and improving the way of cooperation. To establish an image of a responsible global power and effectively respond to international public opinion, it is imperative for China to strengthen environmental governance of its enterprises' overseas investments along the Silk Road Economic Belt. In the specific path choice, we can start from the domestic and international levels to build a comprehensive risk prevention system.