The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure and economic integration initiative spearheaded by China. It aims to strengthen trade, transportation and energy infrastructure across a wide geography spanning Asia, Europe and Africa. It also aims to increase China’s role in the global economy and promotes strategic integration among countries by encouraging regional cooperation.
With this in mind, Ankara Center for Crisis and Political Studies (ANKASAM) presents the views of Prof. Rehana Saeed Hashmi from Punjab University to evaluate the economic, political, social, cultural and environmental dimensions of the Belt and Road Initiative.
1. Since the inception of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, what has been the project’s impact on the country’s economic and political situation? Does China’s Belt and Road project only have an economic dimension, or does it also have cultural and social implications?
The Chinese flagship project, CPEC, under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative, was assumed to be the game changer in Pakistan. However, China has invested substantially in various infrastructure projects such as the development of Gwadar Port, energy projects, roads, and railways. Such projects have improved Pakistan’s connectivity and enhanced the importance of trade roots.
The power projects completed in the first phase, the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Project, Port Qasim Power Project Karachi, and Coal Power Project Hub, Balochistan, contribute to Pakistan’s energy requirements. These projects have also produced jobs in related industries and directly in the building and upkeeping of infrastructure. Undoubtedly, by offering effective channels for the movement of commodities, improved connectivity, and infrastructure, Pakistan can potentially increase commerce.
On the international front, it has strengthened its strategic ties: China has become an important strategic ally of Pakistan at both regional and international levels. Pakistan and China have long-standing friendships. China helped Pakistan in some of its very crucial times of economic crisis; the BRI project in Pakistan helped expand Chinese influence in the South Asian region and the Indian Ocean.
Though China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is primarily framed as an economic project focused on infrastructure development, trade, and investment, it also encompasses significant cultural and social dimensions. These aspects often need to be more highlighted but are integral to understanding the entire scope and impact of the BRI. The cultural implications of BRI include a cultural exchange between Pakistan and China, including a growing interest in the Chinese language and culture within Pakistan. The Confucius institutes are established in almost all the public sector universities of Pakistan, helping students understand Chinese culture and language to be more affectionate with each other. It is also a source to enhance the Chinese influence as a soft power and to develop cultural tourism.
China’s Belt and Road initiative has both tangible and intangible dimensions. The impact of the tangible aspects can be visible in much less time as compared to the intangible, which show slowly and have long-lasting footprints.
In the sociocultural landscape, as an intangible aspect, it has impacts, but it acts as the seed that takes much to grow; with the passage of time, its roots become stronger, and the visibility of impacts can be seen in a long-lasting sense.
2. What do you think about how China is handling its leadership role and cooperation with other countries in this project? What is the impact of these relations on international diplomacy?
China has portrayed a strategic vision with its BRI and positioned itself as the global leader in infrastructure investment and economic development. This initiative aligns with China’s broader goal of transitioning from a regional power to a global superpower. Furthermore, through the BRI, China has expanded its economic influence across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. This expansion is not just through infrastructure but also through trade, investment, and financial agreements.
Lastly, China’s BRI is as much a diplomatic initiative as an economic one. It has used the project to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, often filling the void left by other powers in certain regions.
BRI is part of the Chinese vision of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which is now following the paradigm of the Global Security Initiative (GSI). On the principle of peaceful co-existence, China is projecting its GSI. According to Chinese principles, security is the first condition for development. On this basis, China raised the slogan of “peace through development” and claimed to provide sustainable development, keeping in view the territorial sovereignty of the states. The Chinese approach shifts global power dynamics and challenges the existing Western-dominated world order. It is positioning China as an alternative source of investment and development, particularly in countries that feel neglected by Western powers or international financial institutions.
Expanding China’s influence through BRI, GDI, and GSI has led to tensions with significant powers, notably the United States and its allies. These countries view the BRI as a strategic tool for expanding China’s military and political reach. China’s infrastructure development and investment approach is setting new precedents, potentially challenging existing global standards and practices. The BRI enhances China’s soft power by building cultural and people-to-people ties. This aspect is also subtly influencing international public opinion and diplomatic relations. China’s handling of the BRI and announcement of GSI reflects its growing confidence on the world stage. This initiative has deeply impacted international diplomacy, reshaped the global power dynamics, and given rise to opportunities and challenges for China and the participant states.
3. Culturally, how do you assess the changes in China’s cultural diplomacy and the impact of this project on cultural interaction and exchange with other countries?
China’s cultural diplomacy, particularly in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) context, reflects a strategic and multifaceted approach to enhance its global influence and soft power. At the same time, primarily an economic venture, the BRI has significant cultural dimensions that facilitate deeper cultural interactions and exchanges between China and participating countries.
China has significantly ramped up its diplomatic efforts under the BRI initiative, including establishing Confucius institutes and sponsoring various cultural events and exhibitions in the BRI states to engage with the societies. Also, China has used media and entertainment as an excellent tool for cultural diplomacy. This includes introducing and promoting Chinese movies and shows in the BRI states to spread the cultural narratives of China in these states. Furthermore, the increase in educational exchange for students from the BRI states in China is a great step in China’s cultural diplomacy. Lastly, China has also emphasized establishing a people-specific bond as the cornerstone of BRI, and this approach promotes a deeply entrenched connection established through tourism, academic exchanges, and business interactions, which lead to the creation of a deep mutual understanding.
This project has profoundly impacted the cultural interaction and exchange between countries. The cultural exchanges under the BRI can increase mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. It allows people in BRI countries to gain a more nuanced view of China beyond the political and economic narrative. Through these cultural interactions, China can extend its soft power. China seeks to shape its international image and influence global cultural trends by showcasing its culture, history, and modern achievements. The BRI also involves projects related to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, both within China and in partner countries. This contributes to cultural preservation and fosters a sense of shared heritage along the new Silk Road. There is a concern about cultural homogenization, where dominant cultural influences overshadow local cultures. This is a complex aspect of China’s increasing cultural presence in BRI countries. The interaction may also lead to cultural adaptation and fusion, where elements of Chinese culture are integrated with local cultures, potentially leading to new cultural expressions and innovations.
This interview conducted by Sena Birinci.
Prof. Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi
