Posted: September 4th, 2023

An empirical assessment of trade engagement: linking China, Africa and the Belt and Road initiative

An empirical assessment of trade engagement: linking China, Africa and the Belt and Road initiative
Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the most ambitious infrastructure and economic development initiatives in modern times. It aims to create a global network of trade, investment, and connectivity. The initiative has been embraced by many African countries, who see it as an opportunity to accelerate their development. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts of the BRI, particularly on marine ecosystems. This research article aims to provide an empirical assessment of trade engagement between China, Africa, and the BRI, with a focus on the impact on marine ecosystems. The article reviews existing literature on the BRI, China-Africa relations, and the impact of economic development on marine ecosystems. The study finds that there is a need for greater consideration of the environmental impacts of the BRI, particularly in relation to marine ecosystems, and that sustainable development practices must be adopted to minimize negative impacts.

Introduction

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a development strategy proposed by China that aims to create a global network of trade, investment, and connectivity. The initiative comprises two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt, which focuses on land-based infrastructure projects, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which focuses on sea-based infrastructure projects. The BRI is one of the most ambitious infrastructure and economic development initiatives in modern times, with China investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and Africa (Li et al., 2019).

Africa has been a key focus of the BRI, with China investing heavily in infrastructure projects across the continent. China’s engagement with Africa has grown significantly in recent years, with trade between the two increasing from $10 billion in 2000 to over $200 billion in 2018 (Johnston & Niu, 2018). Africa sees the BRI as an opportunity to accelerate its development and achieve greater economic growth. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts of the BRI, particularly on marine ecosystems.

This research article aims to provide an empirical assessment of trade engagement between China, Africa, and the BRI, with a focus on the impact on marine ecosystems. The article will review existing literature on the BRI, China-Africa relations, and the impact of economic development on marine ecosystems. The study will examine the potential environmental impacts of the BRI on marine ecosystems and explore the measures that can be taken to minimize negative impacts.

Background

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. The initiative aims to create a global network of trade, investment, and connectivity, with a focus on infrastructure projects that will connect Asia, Europe, and Africa. The BRI comprises two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt, which focuses on land-based infrastructure projects, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which focuses on sea-based infrastructure projects.

China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and Africa as part of the BRI. In Africa, China has invested in a wide range of infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, roads, and airports. These projects have been seen as an opportunity for African countries to accelerate their development and achieve greater economic growth.

China-Africa trade has grown significantly in recent years, with China becoming Africa’s largest trading partner. In 2000, trade between China and Africa was just $10 billion, but by 2018, it had reached over $200 billion (Johnston & Niu, 2018). The BRI has been a key driver of this growth, with China investing heavily in infrastructure projects across Africa.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts of the BRI, particularly on marine ecosystems. The BRI includes a number of sea-based infrastructure projects, including ports, which have the potential to negatively impact marine ecosystems. The construction and operation of ports can lead to increased pollution, habitat destruction, and disturbance of marine life (Wang & Lu, 2019). In addition, increased shipping activity associated with the BRI can also lead to increased noise pollution, ship strikes, and oil spills, all of which can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems (Song et al., 2018).

China-Africa relations have been the subject of much research in recent years, with scholars examining the economic, political, and social aspects of the relationship. One key aspect of the relationship is trade, which has grown significantly in recent years. However, the environmental impacts of this trade have received less attention. The BRI has the potential to exacerbate these impacts, particularly in relation to marine ecosystems.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Marine ecosystems are critical for global biodiversity and provide a range of ecosystem services, including food, tourism, and climate regulation (UNEP, 2020). However, these ecosystems are under threat from a range of human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The BRI has the potential to exacerbate these threats, particularly in relation to marine ecosystems.

Ports are a key component of the BRI’s maritime component, with China investing heavily in port infrastructure across Asia, Europe, and Africa. These ports have the potential to negatively impact marine ecosystems in a number of ways. First, the construction and operation of ports can lead to increased pollution, including sedimentation, dredging, and the discharge of pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons (Song et al., 2018). These pollutants can have significant impacts on marine life, including fish, mammals, and birds.

Second, the construction of ports can lead to habitat destruction and disturbance of marine life. Many ports are built in ecologically sensitive areas, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The destruction of these habitats can have significant impacts on the biodiversity of the area, as well as the ecosystem services provided by these habitats.

Third, increased shipping activity associated with the BRI can also lead to increased noise pollution, ship strikes, and oil spills, all of which can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Noise pollution can disrupt marine mammals and fish, while ship strikes can result in the death or injury of marine life. Oil spills can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems, leading to long-term damage to habitats and the death of marine life.

Sustainable Development Practices

Given the potential environmental impacts of the BRI on marine ecosystems, it is important that sustainable development practices are adopted to minimize negative impacts. There are a number of measures that can be taken to achieve this.

First, environmental impact assessments (EIAs) should be conducted for all BRI projects that have the potential to impact marine ecosystems. These assessments should be carried out in a transparent and participatory manner, involving local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The results of the assessments should be used to inform project design and implementation, with measures taken to minimize negative impacts.

Second, sustainable infrastructure design should be adopted for all BRI projects that have the potential to impact marine ecosystems. This includes the use of sustainable materials, the incorporation of green infrastructure, and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution and waste.

Third, sustainable transport practices should be adopted to reduce the negative impacts of shipping activity associated with the BRI. This includes the use of cleaner fuels, the adoption of slow-steaming practices, and the implementation of measures to reduce noise pollution and ship strikes.

Finally, stakeholder engagement and participation should be prioritized throughout the project cycle. This includes involving local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders in project design, implementation, and monitoring. It also includes the provision of transparent and accessible information to these

Bibliography

Song, W., Sun, S., Liu, J., & Gao, X. (2018). Belt and Road Initiative and shipping industry: Analysis of environmental risks and countermeasures. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 136, 291-297.

UNEP. (2020). Global environment outlook: Healthy planet, healthy people. United Nations Environment Programme.

Wang, Y., & Lu, Y. (2019). Environmental impacts of port development: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 218, 686-697.

Wu, G., Tang, Q., Chen, B., & Zhu, Y. (2019). Sustainability assessment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A multi-dimensional analysis. Sustainable Development, 27(3), 435-446.

Zhang, M., & Tan, H. (2020). The challenges and opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative for China and the world economy. Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, 19(3), 203-220.

Zhang, X., & Hu, J. (2019). The impacts of China’s Belt and Road Initiative on the environment: A review of the evidence and implications. Environmental Science & Policy, 101, 151-159.

Zhu, J., & Liu, Q. (2019). The Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for shipping and ports. Transport Policy, 84, 33-42.

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