Transplanting China's ecological civilization to the Belt and Road Initiative: What will it take?

Abstract

This article focuses on how Chinese state actors understand the concept of sustainable development and implement policies for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We examine the concept of Ecological Civilization (EC) that has gained momentum within China and examine how EC is constructed around certain organizational principles that are difficult to export without expanding Beijing's political control abroad. Based on the example of a coal‐fired power plant in Kenya, we also explore the potential opportunities EC presents for African stakeholders to hold Chinese state actors to account for China's normative principles.

Digitalization and Dependence: Evaluating the Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 and Shaping Digital Autonomy

“…Through cooperation with Chinese companies, local enterprises have learned new production methods and management techniques, accelerating their transition to more efficient and environmentally friendly production models. Knowledge sharing and personnel training have equipped the local workforce with the necessary skills, further catalyzing the diversification of the economy and sustainable development (Brauteseth, 2023).…”

Exploring the Potential Opportunities of China’s Environmental Agenda, Ecological Civilization, on Global Sustainable Development

“…In addition, China has attempted to fulfil its international obligations and responsibilities for environmental protection and sustainable development, including carbon emission reduction [77], ozone layer protection [78,79], promoting South-South environmental collaboration [80], promoting environmental protection in developing countries through investment or donation [80], strengthening the environmental impact assessment of overseas projects [81], and promoting international exchanges and cooperation on climate change [16,82]. As declared in a position paper at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference [83], one of the important documents developed during the preparation of fifteenth meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 15), by adhering to ecological civilization, China considers itself committed to green development and is willing to work with the international community for such development.…”