INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN- Since its launch in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has encountered numerous challenges and developments
briefly explain how China has established the BRI despite all the transformations it has gone through.The Green Silk RoadOne of the most
significant criticisms of the BRI since its inception has been the inadequate attention given to environmental standards in its projects
Furthermore, the Paris Agreement has compelled China to adopt a more responsible approach to climate change
In addition, the surge in fossil fuel prices, driven by increased demand following the reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with
the energy portfolio, with a particular focus on renewable energy sources
On the other hand, many BRI countries face substantial challenges in sustainable development, creating a considerable market for Chinese
goods and services related to the green economy
Such factors have prompted Chinese policymakers to prioritize a green and sustainable BRI, leading to the Green Silk Road (GSR).The Health
Silk RoadAlthough the history of the Health Silk Road (HSR) dates back to 2015, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly elevated its
importance within the BRI for several reasons
On one hand, COVID-19 restrictions, such as lockdowns and travel bans, have in different ways led to the suspension, slowdown, or permanent
cessation of various BRI infrastructure projects
For instance, these restrictions disrupted global supply chains, resulting in increased costs for such projects
Additionally, the financial burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic compelled many BRI countries to reassess their budgets and prioritize
On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic also presented China with opportunities for medical innovations, pharmaceutical and medical
exports, vaccine diplomacy, collaboration among healthcare experts abroad, and the construction of medical facilities
Furthermore, in response to criticism regarding its management of the COVID-19 outbreak, China sought to position itself as a responsible
member of the international community
Despite the end of the pandemic, HSR has emerged as a framework for extensive cooperation and exchanges among BRI countries in the
healthcare sector.The Digital Silk RoadLike HSR, the history of the Digital Silk Road (DSR) dates back to 2015
However, various developments in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid growth of the digital economy, increasing
technology-related tensions between the United States and China, and global geopolitical developments have made the DSR increasingly
important to Chinese policymakers
Similar to the aforementioned initiatives, China has adeptly turned many threats into opportunities and successfully exploited the
For instance, although COVID-19 restrictions have hindered the progress of BRI infrastructure projects, China has leveraged the surge in
demand for digital services and goods domestically and internationally during the pandemic to develop its digital economy
Additionally, China has turned U.S
technology-based threats into a catalyst for enhancing its technological independence from the United States and other global tech leaders
infrastructure (such as 4G/5G wireless communications, broadband, subsea cables, satellite systems, cloud computing, and surveillance
systems), smart cities, and cross-border e-commerce.The Polar Silk RoadThe Polar Silk Road (PSR) refers to Arctic shipping routes that
connect North America, East Asia, and Western Europe through the Arctic Circle
Historically, the presence of the extensive amount of sea ice made shipping through the Arctic Circle challenging
However, the melting of sea ice due to global warming has increasingly opened up shipping opportunities in this region
This development could provide shorter and potentially cheaper more cost-effective shipping routes compared to existing or alternative
routes between major markets
Another goal of the PSR is to facilitate the exploitation of minerals, fossil fuels, and other non-living resources in the Arctic
Although the Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014, following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the imposition of sanctions against Russia have
hindered the advancement of the BRI, particularly through the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the New Eurasia Land Bridge
The primary objectives of the BRI were to establish the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt and the sea-based 21st Century Maritime Silk Road
However, DSR, GSR, and HSR have increasingly gained significance within the BRI in response to various challenges and to capitalize on
emerging threats and opportunities
It is important to note that geopolitical developments such as the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan, the collapse of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan under Taliban control in this country, along
with the Russo-Ukrainian war, have posed significant challenges to the initial BRI
In this context, the aforementioned minor initiatives have not only sustained the major initiative (i.e
the BRI), but have also transformed it into something quite different from its original form
It remains to be seen whether new geopolitical developments, such as the recently announced plans by the US President to annex Canada and
