China's Provinces and the Belt and Road Initiative

This book explores the role of local governments in Chinese foreign policy since the opening of China's economy in 1978, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative. It demonstrates how the initiative reinforces China's unitary status and manages and coordinates development at the local and provincial levels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the provincial level in China. It provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of the role of local governments in Chinese foreign policy since the country's economic opening in 1978. The book highlights how the provinces initially engaged in fierce competition with each other, driven by their desire to secure economic benefits and influence. However, as the BRI gained momentum, the central government was compelled to respond, implementing more centralized policies to ensure effective management and coordination of development efforts across the country.

Unlike other books on the BRI, which primarily focus on its international dimensions, this book underscores the significance of the initiative in reinforcing China's unitary status and in managing and coordinating development at the local, provincial, and inter-provincial levels. It sheds light on the importance of the BRI in fostering stronger relationships between different regions of China and promoting economic cooperation and integration.

The book explores the various strategies employed by local governments to participate in the BRI, including infrastructure investment, trade promotion, and cultural exchange. It examines the challenges and opportunities that arise from the initiative, such as environmental concerns, regional disparities, and geopolitical tensions. The book also provides insights into the political and economic implications of the BRI for China and its regional partners, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of the BRI by providing a comprehensive analysis of its provincial-level implementation. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between the central government, local governments, and regional stakeholders, and highlights the importance of the BRI in shaping China's future development trajectory and its role in promoting global economic cooperation.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367654887