China's Belt and Road Initiative linked to better governance, reduced debt and corruption: study

A new study from Nanjing University challenges negative perceptions of China's Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting the global development strategy is associated with better governance and reduced corruption and debt risks. The research, published in the peer-reviewed Chinese journal Quarterly Journal of International Politics in late July, analyzed data from 197 countries and regions between 2000 and 2023.

The study's findings directly counter characterizations of the initiative as a "failure," "vulnerability trap," "road of corruption," or "debt trap." Researchers from the university's Centre for Asia-Pacific Development Studies, led by Mao Weizhun, found that the trade and investment scheme, which spans Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond, was linked to improved corruption control and reduced debt risks.

“

the trade and investment scheme – which spans Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond – was also associated with improved corruption control and that it reduced debt risks.

The analysis included data from 146 countries that have signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with China and 135 countries where projects have been launched or completed. This comprehensive approach aimed to provide a data-driven perspective on the initiative's impact.

Critics have frequently cited concerns about the Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013. These criticisms often focus on a perceived lack of transparency, the potential for projects to fuel unsustainable debt, exploitation of workers, environmental damage, and Beijing's use of the initiative to wield political influence. The Nanjing University study offers a contrasting view based on extensive data analysis.

“

their findings challenged characterisations of the trade and infrastructure initiative as a “failure”, “vulnerability trap”, “road of corruption” or a “debt trap”.