Connectivity Through BRI – OpEd

Does the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) signify China’s political growth or economic connectivity?

In either case, the BRI is a new trend of regional connectivity that is gaining momentum. China’s outreach to world regions refers to a trans-regional growth, cultivating new economic partnerships through trade links. This openness to the outside world represents a progressive shift in China’s foreign policy outlook.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The Developing World’s Inclination Towards Economic Connectivity

The smooth progression of the BRI in the developing world indicates countries’ tilt towards economic integration and their desire for growth. This trans-regionalism reflects a globalized world where political interactions revolve around economic interdependence and technological exchange. Economic prowess has emerged as a bridge linking world regions and countries in a world of geo-economics and broadband inter-connectivity.

The Vision of Connectivity in the Belt and Road Initiative

The BRI aims to connect world regions through roads, rails, and seaports. It focuses on development for all, including the least integrated regions, less developed regions, and regions with economic strength. Countries with different economic growths, from stable to struggling economies, are part of the BRI. Additionally, the BRI has made inroads in regions facing challenges of extremism and terrorism, aiming to connect and deter these challenges. This inclusivity and collective progress have attracted the world towards the BRI.

BRI’s Impact in Africa

In Africa alone, the BRI has facilitated the construction of 100,000 kilometers of highways, 1,000 bridges, and around 100 seaports. The development of infrastructure in Africa has eased the flow of goods across the continent, opening up prospects of trade cooperation within African countries. Over 10,000 Chinese companies are currently operating in Africa, and projects like the ‘Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway’ in Kenya and the Port of Bagamoyo in Tanzania provide job opportunities for the African people.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

CPEC is another milestone of the BRI, with investments of US$ 26 billion in energy and infrastructure sectors. South Asia, one of the least integrated regions globally, will be connected with East Asia and Central Asia through CPEC. This economic connectivity will open up prospects of industrialization and trade cooperation, enabling regional countries with economic strength to counter the challenges of poverty and extremism. The incentives offered by economic integration are an answer to the challenges faced by the developing world.

Globalization, Regionalism, and Connectivity

The forces of globalization and regionalism have set the pace towards connectivity and economic integration. States are adopting transnational approaches driven by geo-economics to pursue economic benefits. Regional connectivity focuses on economic integration, diversification of trading ties, and securing energy routes.

Critics’ Perspective

Critics argue that China’s building of seaports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar is a geopolitical move aimed at expanding China’s sphere of influence. However, these seaports are significant in terms of regional connectivity and trade cooperation, contributing immensely to the economic development of regional countries. Moreover, the past experiences of South Asia being a victim of Cold War politics and the war on terror highlight the importance of economic-centric foreign policies to build economic muscle and counter poverty and terrorism.

The Economic Impact of BRI

China’s enhanced role in the region, backed by the BRI, provides an opportunity to counter the challenges of poverty and terrorism and foster a peaceful regional environment. Regional countries’ trading ties with adjoining regions will make foreign policies more economically centric, potentially reducing confrontations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the economic connectivity and growth facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in developing countries. It mentions job opportunities provided by infrastructure projects in Africa and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article highlights the development of infrastructure through the BRI, including highways, bridges, and seaports in Africa. It also mentions infrastructure investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article emphasizes the inclusivity of the BRI, connecting regions with different economic growths and facing challenges of extremism and terrorism. It quotes Chinese President Xi Jinping about the need for development to be more inclusive and balanced.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the potential for economic integration and trade cooperation facilitated by the BRI to create a peaceful regional environment. It references the past conflicts in South Asia and the opportunity to counter poverty and terrorism through economic development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries

The article mentions economic growth in developing countries joining the BRI, indicating progress towards sustaining economic growth.

Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

The article highlights the development of infrastructure in Africa through the BRI, including highways, bridges, and seaports. It also mentions infrastructure investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

The article emphasizes the inclusivity of the BRI, connecting regions with different economic growths and facing challenges of extremism and terrorism. It quotes Chinese President Xi Jinping about the need for development to be more inclusive and balanced.

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

The article discusses the potential for economic integration and trade cooperation facilitated by the BRI to create a peaceful regional environment. It references the past conflicts in South Asia and the opportunity to counter poverty and terrorism through economic development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• – Mention of economic growth in developing countries joining the BRI can be used to measure progress towards Target 8.1.
• – Mention of infrastructure development in Africa through the BRI, including highways, bridges, and seaports, and infrastructure investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can be used to measure progress towards Target 9.1.
• – The emphasis on inclusivity and connecting regions with different economic growths and facing challenges of extremism and terrorism can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2.
• – The discussion of the potential for economic integration and trade cooperation to create a peaceful regional environment can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.3.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators