China’s growing power and growing economic sphere of influence have given Beijing the opportunity to compete globally with the United States (US). Because, although the rivalry between Washington and Beijing has geopolitical and geostrategic dimensions,[1] it can be argued that it is a struggle based on geoeconomics. The situation in question is described as the “New Cold War” by many analysts.[2]
Undoubtedly, the Belt and Road Initiative, which was founded in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Kazakhstan and has continued to grow since then, plays a decisive role in this struggle and China’s increasing global influence. 151 countries are included in the initiative.[3] Considering that there are 193 countries in the world recognized by the United Nations,[4] it can be stated that the rate of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative is very high.
As can be understood, in order to understand Beijing’s influence in global politics, the aims of this initiative and the points it aims to achieve should be examined. In this context, it can be argued that the Beijing administration advocates peace, cooperation, transparency and inclusiveness. Because the Belt and Road Initiative proposes to build alliance bridges in many different areas and concepts.
It should also be emphasized that China attaches importance to economic integration, global security environment and cultural inclusion. In fact, these values are the reason why the actors approach the Belt and Road Initiative positively. Therefore, with the Belt and Road Initiative, a relationship style in which mutual understanding, the principle of reciprocity, respect and trust are centered is developing in relations between states. This means win-win relationships that promote peace at the regional and global level. [5]
One of the aims of the mentioned initiative is to connect China, Central Asia, Russia and Europe and to build a global network. At the same time, the initiative aims to provide the link between China and Southeast Asia. It plans to do this by using the Indian Ocean via Central Asia and Western Asia. Already one of the routes of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road goes to Europe via the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, taking its way from the coasts of China. Another route extends from the Chinese coast and over the South China Sea to the South Pacific Region. One of the two ends of this initiative, which reaches the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, reaches East Asia and the other end reaches Europe.[6]
As might be expected, the Belt and Road Initiative utilizes routes located on existing highways. Basically, the initiative passes through the important and central cities of the countries and includes these cities in the initiative. Therefore, Beijing is able to come into contact with many economically important regions and establish constructive relations. In this context, the construction of China-Mongolia-Russia and China-Central Asia-West Asia corridors is very critical. [7]
In this context, it can be said that China aims to build safe, efficient and stable routes by combining geopolitically important ports and sea routes. China-Pakistan and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridors are also indicators of this.[i]
As a result, the place of the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s global competition against the USA cannot be ignored. Because Beijing’s growing influence is closely related to the constructive relations it has developed within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. For this reason, it should be emphasized that Beijing aims to establish a stable global economic environment and prioritizes international welfare.
[1] “The World’s Largest Economies”, World Data Info, https://www.worlddata.info/largest-economies.php, (Date of Accession: 24.02.2023).
[2] “5 Ways the U.S.-China Cold War Will Be Different From the Last One”, Foreign Policy, https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/12/29/us-china-cold-war-bipolar-global-order-stability-biden-xi/, (Date of Accession: 24.02.2023).
[3] “A Transformative Speech That Gave Rise to Belt and Road Initiative”, The State Council Information Office the People’s Republic of China, http://english.scio.gov.cn/beltandroad/2023-05/17/content_85354854.htm, (Date of Accession: 24.02.2023).
[4] “How many Countries are there in the World?”, Worldometer, https://t.ly/_PN_j, (Date of Accession: 24.02.2023).
[5] “China’s Massive Belt and Road Initiative”, Council on Foreign Relations, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative, (Date of Accession: 24.02.2023).
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[i] Ibid.