In the name of advancement, the verdant veil was lifted, revealing the skeletal frames of tomorrow. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is one of the significant projects launched by the government of Xi Jinping to link the far east to central Asia, South Asia, and beyond Europe. This project holds the potential to alter the economic order, political alliance, and strengths of developing states. Being a focal point in Asia, BRI has the attention of all the subregions, ranging from Central Asia to Southeast Asia. However, the potential it had caried in the initial days gradually faded. This writing aims to investigate the interdependence of China and Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, followed by the shift in the policies of BRI from infrastructure development to sustainable development, the big powers rivalries and policies to advance their influence, and additionally to figure out the future prospects of BRI in the region of Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is the most precious region for China for different reasons; most importantly, it offers maritime trade routes to China over which most of the Chinese economy relies; secondly, ASEAN states have abundant natural resources and minerals, including vast oil and natural gas reservoirs under the seabed. Thirdly, Southeast Asia is important for China in terms of security; having good relations with the neighboring ASEAN states would allow China to build its economy and peruse its regional developmental projects in a peaceful and secure environment. Furthermore, deprioritizing the region would eventually create a vacuum for other powers to influence the region.
Similarly, China is like a straw for the drowning states of Southeast Asia. The developing ASEAN states heavily rely on China’s financing for infrastructure development and reconstruction of major maritime ports, which will be helpful for boosting domestic and international trade. Beijing is the region’s top trade partner since 2009 and second largest investor. The Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN was upgraded in 2014 as a part of BRI, which further accelerated the flow of trade and investment between China and ASEAN states; however, some skeptical views about BRI let China shift BRI from infrastructure development projects to sustainable development with a major focus on Southeast Asian states.
The BRI remained a center of criticism by many states, especially the United States and Europe, due to environmental degradation resulting from numerous projects that underscore environmental sustainability and standards. The major projects under BRI were primarily infrastructure, maritime, and energy projects. Critics argue that these projects often bypass environmental impact assessment and standards. Cutting of forests and developing industries; maritime developments, which disturb the maritime ecosystem, contributing to water pollution and drastic health conditions.
In energy projects, fossil fuels are the major components that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and other climate vulnerabilities, complicating the challenge of combating climate change. BRI is often called a debt-for-nature swap project, hampering the capabilities of states to invest in environmentally friendly projects on the basis of pure economic-based infrastructural projects. Keeping in view all these criticisms, China is now changing its policies on BRI, making it more aligned with international standards.
The new strategies of China are focused not on large-scale projects but on small, high-quality green projects, emphasizing the “Green Silk Road.” Southeast Asia is a key destination due to its renewable energy potential. China is investing heavily in Southeast Asia; almost US$3 billion has been invested from 2019–23 for renewable energy projects, with many focused on hydropower resources and green industries to dominate minerals, solar cells, batteries, and electric vehicles. The “China Standards 2035” strategy was announced in 2018 with the major objective of advancing its influence over international standards in critical areas such as green technology.
While having a sight over individual Southeast Asian states, many projects under BRI were underdeveloped because of environmental concerns; for instance, in Thailand, the construction of high-speed railways has raised concern over damage to the historical site of the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Some other projects of BRI in Thailand have some ecological concerns like deforestation and community displacement. Owing to these concerns, China launched a new Global Development Initiative (GDI), which will help Thailand develop its economy by promoting investments in high-tech, digital, and green industries. Similarly, Malaysia also wants the compliance of foreign direct investment from China to align with environmental, social, and governance standards to boost its economy in an environmentally friendly manner.
The US-China competition in Southeast Asia has a considerable impact on environmental projects and regional influence. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has received criticism for its environmental impact, encouraging a shift toward sustainable development projects such as renewable energy and green technologies. The “Green Silk Road” is increasingly essential to China’s agenda, with significant investments in hydropower, solar, and electric cars across Southeast Asia.
In contrast, the United States seeks to resist China’s influence by fostering ecologically friendly investments and sustainable growth. US policies prioritize supply chain diversification and regional stability, which aligns with Southeast Asian governments’ goal for environmentally and socially responsible development. This competition promotes a race to develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable choices, which benefits the region.
The future of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Southeast Asia is dependent on its adherence to environmental norms and sustainable development. Initially focused on large-scale infrastructure projects, BRI was heavily criticized for environmental deterioration and unsustainable practices. In response, China has turned its focus to high-quality green projects, stressing renewable energy and green technologies through the “Green Silk Road” initiative. Significant investments in hydropower, solar energy, and electric vehicles demonstrate the new trend.
However, the competition between the United States and China complicates matters even further. The United States promotes environmentally friendly investments in order to counterbalance China’s influence and accord with Southeast Asian states’ goals for sustainable development. This geopolitical competition creates a competitive climate, forcing both powers to provide more environmentally friendly and socially responsible alternatives. The triumph of BRI.
The success of the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia will be determined by China’s ability to integrate its projects with global environmental standards and regional demands. If successful, the BRI may greatly increase China’s power. Increased US engagement, on the other hand, might provide Southeast Asian countries with new pathways for long-term development, challenging China’s dominant position. Finally, the region’s development trajectory will be determined by how well these competing factors handle environmental and economic concerns.
The author, Zainab Sheikh, is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in International Relations with a keen interest in global affairs and diplomacy. She specializes in Southeast Asian geopolitics, conducting thorough analyses of the region's complexities.
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