Editor’s note: Guo Bowei is an associate professor at the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China, and Hou Jiayin is a PhD candidate at the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China. The article reflects the authors’ opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-12-04/China-s-role-in-reshaping-global-sustainability-1z3pamZKvZu/img/d50ae2d15bd64a7ba640064d19f007d6/d50ae2d15bd64a7ba640064d19f007d6.jpeg' alt='View of the main dam of China's largest hydroelectric project in Pakistan, May 4, 2023. /CFP'
Since its inception, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emphasized green and sustainable development, aiming to create a global network aligned with the principles of low-carbon growth. The 2015 release of “Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road“ formally established the “Green Silk Road” as a core objective, prioritizing energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and clean energy utilization. This commitment reflects global trends while offering actionable strategies for participating countries to achieve sustainable development goals.
China has taken significant steps to collaborate with BRI countries in energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, improving energy accessibility, fostering green economic growth, and positioning itself as a leader in global sustainability efforts.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-12-04/China-s-role-in-reshaping-global-sustainability-1z3pamZKvZu/img/c28bad30192b4a7cab73b7e2e65f56a5/c28bad30192b4a7cab73b7e2e65f56a5.jpeg' alt='Chinese-built hydropower station in cooperation with Cambodia, Cambodia, December 17, 2018. /CFP'
Addressing energy accessibility: a foundation for development
Energy accessibility remains a critical challenge for many BRI countries, particularly in regions like Africa and Latin America, where inadequate energy supply hinders industrialization and economic progress. Reliable energy infrastructure is fundamental to development, yet the absence of consistent energy access often traps nations in cycles of poverty.
Through the BRI framework, China has partnered with nations to upgrade and expand energy infrastructure, focusing on renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Projects like hydropower plants in Africa and wind farms in Southeast Asia have enhanced energy reliability, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and contributed to a cleaner energy mix.
A notable example is the Cauchari Solar Park in Argentina, developed with significant Chinese investment and technical support. Located in Jujuy Province, it is one of South America’s largest solar farms, generating clean energy for hundreds of thousands of households. The project has also created local jobs, strengthened infrastructure, and reduced Argentina’s reliance on fossil fuels, illustrating how renewable energy can catalyze sustainable industrialization.
Beyond infrastructure: technology transfer and policy support
China’s vision for the Green Silk Road extends beyond building infrastructure, focusing instead on equipping countries with the tools for sustainable energy transitions. By transferring advanced technologies for solar, wind, and hydropower energy, China has facilitated progress in nations like Ethiopia, where the Adama wind farm stands as a flagship project. Chinese contractors have trained over 50 Ethiopian engineers and technicians both locally and in China, transferring critical technical skills and enabling long-term benefits.
China also shares its policy and management expertise. Over the past decades, it has transitioned from a high-carbon economy to a low-carbon one, implementing renewable energy subsidies, emissions trading systems, and green finance incentives. These strategies have been adapted for BRI countries through South-South cooperation. Initiatives include building low-carbon demonstration zones, and providing meteorological satellites, photovoltaic systems, and clean cookstoves to enhance climate resilience.
This integrated approach offers not only technical expertise but also governance frameworks, enabling countries to build green energy systems, diversify their economies, and achieve long-term sustainability.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-12-04/China-s-role-in-reshaping-global-sustainability-1z3pamZKvZu/img/4b550c7fe65146b4b2cf4e927d969d28/4b550c7fe65146b4b2cf4e927d969d28.jpeg' alt='View of the Asian Investment Bank, Beijing, China, January 4, 2021. /CFP'
Global collaboration: strengthening multilateral support
China champions international cooperation to foster green development globally. Collaborating with institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), China facilitates funding, technical support, and policy alignment for green projects in BRI countries.
Through these platforms, developing nations gain access to financing tools such as low-interest loans and green bonds to support clean energy and infrastructure projects. For instance, AIIB has financed renewable energy projects in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia, helping them scale up their green transitions.
On the global stage, China actively advocates for the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” ensuring that developing countries are supported in their climate actions without compromising their right to development. By fostering an inclusive green consensus, China strengthens fair participation in global climate initiatives.
Conclusion
China’s multilayered approach to the Green Silk Road exemplifies how coordinated efforts can drive global sustainability. First, through targeted investments, it addresses energy accessibility issues in BRI countries. Second, by transferring technology and sharing policy expertise, it empowers nations to transition to greener economies. Finally, by leveraging multilateral cooperation, China ensures that developing nations have the resources to meet the challenges of climate action.
The Green Silk Road is not just a roadmap for BRI countries but a blueprint for a global future that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Through its efforts, China has demonstrated how collaboration can pave the way for a greener and more prosperous world.
(Cover via CFP)
