China’s grand strategy is defined by a deliberate balance between integration into the global economic system and resistance to its Western-led constraints. It employs strategic ambiguity and selective engagement to expand influence, preserve flexibility, and avoid confrontation that could jeopardize its modernization.

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza reflects accelerating recalibration in the Middle East, as U.S. military maneuvers are giving way to economic development promoted by the Arab states, China and the Global South.

America’s Afghan pullout was a strategic debacle. Going back to Bagram Air Base would only sink the U.S. into another costly, divisive and failure-prone intervention in a geo-economic war at the center of Asia.

Ten years after its launch, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has underperformed, with many key projects stalled due to Pakistan's political mismanagement and inefficiencies. While China continues to support the initiative diplomatically, its future success depends on Pakistan’s ability to implement strategic reforms and restore investor confidence.

Hungary's strategic partnership with China represents a bold pivot aimed at enhancing its geopolitical and economic standing amidst an era of great power competition. But to safeguard itself from geopolitical storms Hungary aims to work within the EU and punch above its weight to catalyze European strategic autonomy.

China’s connectivity project is being reconfigured across the old continent. Western and Eastern Europe are increasingly divided regarding the Belt and Road’s infrastructure projects and investments – yet, Europe as a whole is welcoming monetary connectivity with China and wider adoption of the renminbi.

The EU’s attempt to lead global infrastructure development has been costly, but still lags behind America and China’s investment programs. Europe needs to make significant changes to catch up to the world’s leading powers.

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a milestone project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project reflects China's emphasis on history and neighborhood diplomacy, underlining its role as a leader in the Global South. Additionally, there are challenges alternative initiatives face in competing with China's vast infrastructure endeavors, as Beijing prioritizes economics and geopolitics in its approach.

China pioneered the Belt and Road Initiative, but others have followed its lead. The BRI has been hailed as the largest international cooperation platform producing the most popular public benefits in the world today.

In 10th anniversary year of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, the international landscape is subject to changes like never before. China’s adaptations have proved successful and hold promise for future world peace.