China’s economy has outpaced all other nations in growth for decades, following a growth model that led to 800 million people being lifted out of poverty. As growth begins to taper off, they’re now faced with the challenge of replacing dated practices with new models of development to make it past what economists call “the middle-income trap.”

Who will win the ‘hearts and minds’ of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europeans with well-spent investment – Beijing with the Belt and Road, or Washington with the Three Seas Initiative?

India and China have a long history of border disputes, which have heated up recently. Stacked interests between China, India, and Pakistan hold the region on a seesaw, and BRI and CPEC may benefit from the conflict and pandemic.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious endeavor that can be misunderstood as a facade for furthering China’s interests. While there is no doubt that China intends to help itself first, the BRI does create opportunities for governments to come together in equitable partnerships.

China’s Digital Silk Road could prove to power a digitally focused economic recovery. But economic potential needs to be balanced with security concerns when assessing opportunities arising from this initiative.

The BRI will continue to be a feature of China’s post-pandemic foreign policy. The pandemic may even promote new avenues for investment.

China's Belt and Road Initiative is being tested by COVID-19, as several host countries have requested debt relief. How China proceeds will determine the overall success of the initiative.

COVID-19’s impact on Chinese manufacturing has had ripple effects around the world, and the Philippines is no exception. The potential long-term damage that the pandemic can do to the Philippine economy may necessitate amendments to the Philippine portion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

China is keen to play a bigger role in Britain’s post-Brexit future, particularly in infrastructure and investment projects. However, China’s deeper involvement may face political and infrastructural challenges and a steep learning curve for Chinese businesses.

Once a point farthest from any ocean on Earth, the BRI places Central Asia at the center of the world in an effort to economically integrate the Eurasian continent. While the motives and execution of BRI are questioned, the initiative is needed.