Belt and Road Initiative – Serie

The South China Sea dispute not only involves the sovereignty and security interests of the countries concerned, but also the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. As the South China Sea dispute has evolved, the United States, with its continuous engagement, has played a vital role in contributing to the complexity and internationalization of the dispute. This book summarizes American strategies in the South China Sea, and comprehensively examines the role of the United States in this maritime dispute from both historical and realistic perspectives. It argues that the U.S. policy towards the South China Sea dispute is highly skillful and targeted. The degree of the U.S. involvement in the disputes mainly depends on three factors, namely its Asia-Pacific strategy and interest demand, its strategy towards China, and the speed of China’s rise and how the United States perceives it.This book will be of great interest to those who study or focus on international relations, China-U.S. relations, maritime affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and East Asian security studies. University libraries, public libraries, think tanks, institutes for marine affairs, and engaged private individuals who are interested in international relations, China-U.S. relations, maritime disputes, South China Sea issues, etc., will also be interested in this book.

2023 is the tenth anniversary of China’s proposal to jointly build the "the Belt and Road Initiative’’(BRI). This academic monograph provides a theoretical analysis of China’s "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) from the perspective of economics and not only describes the status of the BRI construction, but also formulates development proposals. First, it provides a theoretical explanation of why the Belt and Road is feasible and how it can be applied in practice. Second, it introduces the overall situation and landmark projects from the past eight years of the "Belt and Road" construction using the method of case studies. Finally, it puts forward policy suggestions and measures to promote quality development of the "Belt and Road" in the future.This book provides an encyclopedic understanding of the "Belt and Road" project to the international community, especially after the G7 summit proposed "Build Back Better for the World" (B3W) in 2021 and the "global infrastructure and investment partnership" plan in 2022. This book is an indispensable textbook to understand and study the situation and experience of the "Belt and Road" construction that has been going on for eight years.

China’s international political prominence is currently facing a strategic challenge and significant dilemma due to its image abroad. To address this, China is utilizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to shape its global image and enhance strategic engagements in the Afro-Eurasia region and beyond. This study employs a longitudinal content analysis method to examine China’s political, cultural, economic, technological, and social image in the most influential Islamic English news media. It critically analyzes China’s construction, interpretation, and dissemination of its global image in the context of the BRI. Furthermore, it sheds light on the historical and current relations between China and the Islamic world, including future prospects and potential challenges to China’s rise as an alternative global power for the Islamic world."This book provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of China’s strategic efforts to shape its global image through the Belt and Road Initiative in the Islamic world. By analyzing influential Islamic English news media, it sheds light on the historical and current relations between China and the Islamic world and offers valuable insights into future prospects and potential challenges. This book is essential for scholars and policymakers interested in comprehending China’s evolving global image and its impact on Sino-Islamic relations."—Wu Fei, Qiushi Distinguished Professor, Director of International Communication Research Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China"It is increasingly important that, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) now on the books for a solid decade, we begin to take stock of its global impact in granular terms. This timely, well-illustrated book, which explores the nexus of BRI and China’s image as constructed in select English-language news media, does that with compelling, insightful analyses and with effulgent statistical data to boot in, and about, a region that is an archetypal Islamic influence. "—Cornelius B. Pratt, Professor Emeritus of Global Communication and Leadership, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States

There is a pressing need for a greater understanding among the world’s diverse peoples. Once individuals gain an appreciation of each other’s language and history, they can use this foundation to help construct a more peaceful, harmonious, cooperative and equitable world. But how can they begin to work toward this goal? In 2013 China proposed the Community of Shared Future (CSF), which has since become a framework for international collaboration aimed at creating a better world. Under the CSF framework , the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the three major globalinitiatives have been proposed. The BRI and these initiatives have garnered support and praise from much of the world. Nearly all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China have signed BRI cooperative agreements. However, the United States and other Western countries are not willing to accept a rising China in the international community. Thus, the West needs to gain a better understanding of them. The BRI and the three major global initiatives are not empty slogans. It is crucial for China to develop a global governance system that takes concrete actions and benefits other countries.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union marked a transformative era for Central Asia, elevating its international prominence and shifting its role from a historically marginalized region to a key player in global geopolitics. Comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this region is now at the center of strategic discourse, particularly within the framework of Sir Halford Mackinder's "Heartland Theory," which underscores the supremacy of land power over maritime dominance. China's energy policies in Central Asia are deeply intertwined with its foreign policy objectives, regional security strategies, and economic ambitions. The "Western Development" strategy seeks to stabilize China's Northwestern region, particularly Xinjiang, by fostering economic prosperity in neighboring Central Asian nations. Furthermore, China's counterterrorism initiatives align with regional security concerns, facilitating bilateral and multilateral partnerships through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). As the 21st century unfolds, Central Asia remains at the epicenter of global energy politics, regional security dynamics, and international economic competition. With China, Russia, and the United States each vying for strategic leverage, the region's future will be shaped by a complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and evolving geopolitical realities. This book, with a focus on China and its Belt & Road Initiative in Central Asia, provides an in-depth analysis of these dynamics, offering insights into the historical, economic, and strategic forces that continue to redefine Central Asia’s role in global affairs."The evolving geopolitical landscape of Central Asia has underscored its strategic significance in global affairs. This scholarly work provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s transformation post-Soviet Union, offering valuable insights into the intricate balance of power involving China, Russia, and Western influences. By addressing critical themes such as energy security, regional stability, and economic integration, this study makes a significant contribution to understanding the complex interplay between geopolitics and geo-economics in Central Asia." - Muhammad Munir, Professor of Political Science and Dean of International Relations Department, Muslim Youth University