Risk assessment of oil and gas investment environment in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative

With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is deepening its cooperation in oil and gas resources with countries along the Initiative. In order to better mitigate risks and enhance the safety of investments, it is of significant importance to research the oil and gas investment environment in these countries for China's overseas investment macro-layout. This paper proposes an indicator system including 27 indicators from 6 dimensions. On this basis, game theory models combined with global entropy method and analytic hierarchy process are applied to determine the combined weights, and the TOPSIS-GRA model is utilized to assess the risks of oil and gas investment in 76 countries along the Initiative from 2014 to 2021. Finally, the GM(1,1) model is employed to predict risk values for 2022-2025. In conclusion, oil and gas resources and political factors have the greatest impact on investment environment risk, and 12 countries with greater investment potential are selected through cluster analysis in conjunction with the predicted results. The research findings may provide scientific decisionmaking recommendations for the Chinese government and oil enterprises to strengthen oil and gas investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Spatial Interaction Network Analysis of Crude Oil Trade Relations between Countries along the Belt and Road

Based on the theories and methods of complex network,crude oil trade flows between countries along the Belt and Road(B&R,hereafter)are inserted into the Geo-space of B&R and form a spatial interaction network which takes the countries as nodes and takes the trade relations as edges.The networked mining and evolution analysis can provide important references for the research on trade relations among the B&R countries and the formulation of trade policy.This paper researches and discusses the construction,statistical analysis,top networks and stability of the crude oil trade network between the B&R countries from 2001 to 2020 from the perspectives of Geo-Computation for Social Sciences(GCSS)and spatial interaction.Firstly,evolutions of out-degree,in-degree,out-strength and in-strength of the top 10 countries in the crude oil trade network are computed and analyzed.Secondly,the top network method is used to explore the evolution characteristics of hierarchical structures.And finally,the sequential evolution characteristics of the crude oil trade network stability are analyzed utilizing the network stability measure method based on the trade relationship autocorrelation function.The analysis results show that Russia has the largest out-degree and out-strength,and China has the largest in-degree and in-strength.The crude oil trade volume of the top 10 import and export networks between 2001—2020 accounts for over 90%of the total trade volume of the crude oil trade network,and the proportion remains relatively stable.However,the stability of the network showed strong fluctuations in 2009,2012 and 2014,which may be closely related to major international events in these years,which could furtherly be used to build a correlation model between network volatility and major events.This paper explores how to construct and analyze the spatial interaction network of crude oil trade and can provide references for trade relations research and trade policy formulation of B&R countries.

Evaluation of the sustainable development level of countries along the Belt and Road and its impact factors:Empirical analysis based on the Super-efficiency slacks-based measure and Tobit measure models

Sustainable development is an important component of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)and is of great significance for evaluating the levels of sustainable development of countries along this route(henceforth,BRI countries).Therefore,this study aims to identify the factors that influence the levels of sustainable development of BRI countries in a reasonable and objective manner.Eventually,this study employs the super efficiency slacks-based measure(Super-SBM)model,which considers unexpected outputs to measure the level of sustainable development of BRI countries.The dynamic change and composition of the sustainable development level of these countries are calculated using the global Malmquist-Luenberger index.Furthermore,the Tobit model is used to identify the factors influencing the level of sustainable development of BRI countries in general and in various categories.The empirical results suggest the following points.(a)The overall level of sustainable development of BRI countries is low,whereas those of high-income and middle-and high-income countries are relatively high.(b)The overall sustainable development levels of BRI countries declined to a certain extent in 2008 owing to the effect of the financial crisis,.However,the sustainable development level of other countries,barring low-income countries,has gradually increased since 2011.(c)Since 2008,technological progress has replaced technical efficiency as the main driving force behind the improvement of the sustainable development level of BRI countries.(d)A U-shaped relationship is observed between the economic and sustainable development levels of these countries.(e)The level of science and technology and the proportion of renewable energy consumption can promote the sustainable development of these countries.Moreover,a negative correlation exists between the level of opening to the outside world and that of sustainable development of countries that mainly export resource-based products and are dominated by labor-intensive export industries.Barring low-income countries,the energy structure plays an effective role in improving the level of sustainable development.Finally,the study presents suggestions for China in the process of coping with the sustainable development of relevant countries during its promotion of the BRI.

Research on Deepening Energy Cooperation between China and Countries along the Belt and Road

Promoting broader and deeper international energy cooperation is an important part of China’s energy development under the new development paradigm of“dual-circulation.”The proposal and practice of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)cooperation have encouraged closer energy cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road.Energy cooperation has become one of the areas with the fastest growth and the most remarkable achievements in the BRI construction,which has made an important contribution to the realization of China’s energy development with high quality under open conditions.To accelerate higher levels and more sustainable development of energy cooperation between China and the countries along the Belt and Road,it is necessary to further improve energy policy coordination mechanisms,widen the breadth and depth of energy facilities connectivity,promote unimpeded energy trade,and actively undertake innovative modes of financial support for energy cooperation as well as lay a sound social foundation for people-to-people bonds.

Colorectal cancer’s burden attributable to a diet high in processed meat in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)plays a significant role in morbidity,mortality,and economic cost in the Belt and Road Initiative(“B and R”)countries.In addition,these countries have a substantial consumption of processed meat.However,the burden and trend of CRC in relation to the consumption of a diet high in processed meat(DHPM-CRC)in these“B and R”countries remain unknown.AIM To analyze the burden and trend of DHPM-CRC in the“B and R”countries from 1990 to 2019.METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study to collate information regarding the burden of DHPM-CRC.Numbers and age-standardized rates(ASRs)of deaths along with the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were determined among the“B and R”countries in 1990 and 2019.Using joinpoint regression analysis,the average annual percent change(AAPC)was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDALR)from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade(2010–2019).RESULTS We found geographical differences in the burden of DHPM-CRC among“B and R”countries,with the three highest-ranking countries being the Russian Federation,China,and Ukraine in 1990,and China,the Russian Federation,and Poland in 2019.The burden of DHPM-CRC generally increased in most member countries from 1990 to 2019(all P<0.05).The absolute number of deaths and DALYs in DHPM-CRC were 3151.15[95%uncertainty interval(UI)665.74-5696.64]and 83249.31(95%UI 15628.64-151956.31)in China in 2019.However,the number of deaths(2627.57-2528.51)and DALYs(65867.39-55378.65)for DHPM-CRC in the Russian Federation has declined.The fastest increase in ASDALR for DHPM-CRC was observed in Vietnam,Southeast Asia,with an AAPC value of 3.90%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.63%-4.16%],whereas the fastest decline was observed in Kyrgyzstan,Central Asia,with an AAPC value of-2.05%(95%CI:-2.37%to-1.73%).A substantial upward trend in ASR of mortality,years lived with disability,years of life lost,and DALYs from DHPM-CRC changes in 1990-2019 and the final decade(2010-2019)for most Maritime Silk Route members in East Asia,South Asia,Southeast Asia,North Africa,and the Middle East,as well as Central Europe,while those of the most Land Silk Route members in Central Asia and Eastern Europe have decreased markedly(all P<0.05).The ASDALR for DHPM-CRC increased more in males than in females(all P<0.05).For those aged 50-74 years,the ASDALR for DHPM-CRC in 40 members exhibited an increasing trend,except for 20 members,including 7 members in Central Asia,Maldives,and 12 high or high-middle social development index(SDI)members in other regions(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The burden of DHPM-CRC varies substantially across“B and R”countries and threatens public health.Relevant evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the different trends of countries in SDIs or Silk Routes should be adopted to reduce the future burden of CRC in“B and R”countries via extensive collaboration.

The coordinated evolution of ecological environment,public service,and tourism economy along the Silk Road Economic Belt,using the Dual-Carbon Targets

Carbon peak and carbon neutrality(dual-carbon)are important targets for the international response to climate change.The Silk Road Economic Belt is a strategic resource region and is important for future ecological environment and tourism development.Based on the“dual-carbon”targets,the Single index quantification,Multiple index synthesis,and Poly-criteria integration evaluation model were used in this study to measure the coordinated development index of the ecological environment,public service,and tourism economy along the Silk Road Economic Belt and to analyze its spatial and temporal evolution.Further,it explores the dynamic evolution and development trend of the three systems using the Kernel Density and Grey Markov Prediction Model.The results show that the coordinated development index along this region needs to be improved during the study period.Furthermore,the coordinated development index of the Southwest region is relatively higher than that of the Northwest region.From the development trend of the three systems,all of them develop in a stable manner;however,the tourism economy system is easily affected by external disturbances.The coordinated development index of the three systems changes dynamically and tends to be in a good state of coordination.There is a certain spatial and temporal heterogeneity.The gravity center of the coordinated development index has been in the Southwest region.During the forecast period,the coordinated development index along this region will improve significantly,while insufficient and unbalanced development will continue.

Discourse Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative From the Perspective of Central Asian Countries: A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)three-dimensional model,using the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study,to delve into the discourse construction of China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)in Central Asian countries.Through detailed analysis of policy documents,media reports,and public discussions in Central Asian countries,this paper reveals how the BRI constructs specific social practices,discourse events,and textual meanings within these nations.The findings indicate that through this global development strategy,China has not only strengthened its economic ties with Central Asian countries but has also exerted profound influences on political,cultural,and social levels.

The Impact of the“Belt and Road”Initiative on Industrial Structure Upgrading Along the Corridor

The“Belt and Road”initiative functions as a novel impetus for China’s external economic development within the framework of the new normal of economic growth.By leveraging panel data from 30 provinces and regions across China for the period of 2010 to 2020,this research assesses the influence of the“Belt and Road”initiative on the enhancement of the industrial structure along its trajectory.The findings indicate that:the most notable influence on the rationalization and progress of the industrial structure is observed in the eastern region,with the central region following suit,whereas the western region has yet to exhibit a significant transformation.The analysis delves into the role of technological innovation,concluding that the initiative primarily catalyzes optimization and upgrading through the effect of technological advancement.The study advances several pertinent policy recommendations to support and enhance these developments.

Can increased economic complexity and reduced carbon emissions of the logistics industry go hand in hand?Evidence from countries along the Belt and Road

At present,the main focus of research lies in examining the connection between economic complexity and carbon emissions as a whole,but there is a scarcity of quantitative investigations on the link between the above variables within specific industries.Therefore,this study introduces economic complexity as a new variable to build a panel model within the traditional Environmental Kuznets Curve framework.Based on the data of the countries along the Belt and Road from 1998 to 2018,we used the Granger causality test to examine the causal relationship between variables,and use the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square methods to estimate the coefficients of variables.The key factor linking economic complexity and carbon emissions in the logistics industry is technology innovation Economic complexity can explain and predict the changes in carbon emissions of logistics industry more reasonably,and the relationship between them in line with the environmental kuznets curve hypothesis.Only high-income countries can increase economic complexity while reducing carbon emissions of logistics industry.Based on the empirical analysis,it is suggested that upper-middle income and lower middle-income countries can formulate relevant policies and regulations,and high-income countries can improve the relevant policies and regulations to promote the reduction of carbon emissions of the logistics industry.Studying the impact of economic complexity on carbon emissions in the logistics industry can help better predict and respond to the impact of climate change on the logistics industry.

Preliminary Study on Overseas Applicability of Chinese Architectural Design Standards:Taking China-Aided Construction Projects in Asia Since the Belt and Road Initiative as Examples

This research takes China-aided construction projects in Asia since the Belt and Road Initiative as examples to explore the applicability of Chinese architectural design standards in other Asian countries.So far,the standards demonstrated the highest applicability in South Asia is the best followed by Southeast Asia.Chinese architectural design standards for educational buildings showed the highest applicability,followed by office,medical,and sports buildings.This study puts forward some strategies to improve the applicability of Chinese architectural design standards.These strategies include integrating regionalism and local cultural traditions,optimizing energy efficiency,and aligning designs with local usage habits.This study serves as a reference for similar projects in the future.

Songs and Flowers Along the Belt and Road

Since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed ten years ago,China Communications Construction Company(CCCC)has been fully implementing the concept of"extensive consultation,joint contribution and shared benefits"in the process of"going out",and promoting"people-to-of people connectivity"with"hard connectivity"by building"bridge of hearts,road of prosperity,port of development,and city of happiness".

Rules for Access of Foreign Capitals to Agricultural Field in Countries along the "Belt and Road"

Agriculture is related to the strategy and security of a country. Every country is very discreet about access of foreign capitals to the agricultural field. Countries along the " Belt and Road" also have imposed restrictions on the access of foreign capitals to the agricultural field.There are restrictions on establishing agriculture-related enterprises,affiliated organizations,and branch offices. Also,there are regulations concerning the scope,proportion,performance requirement,and approval of access of foreign capitals to the agricultural field.

Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on environmental quality in countries along the routes

China has adhered to the concept of green development since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.However,as the initiative continues to advance,speculations have been raised on the possibility of its reduction of the environmental quality of the countries along the routes.So,has the seven-year-old Belt and Road Initiative reduced the environmental quality of these countries and how does it affect the environmental quality?To address these issues,this study conducted a quasi-natural experiment,based on the WDI 2005-2017 data,the human development index database of the World Bank and the OECD(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)database.A country-year panel data was constructed using the difference-in-differences model to assess the countries along the‘area’initiative for environmental effects,and to further examine the heterogeneity and the policy effect mechanism.The main conclusions were as follows:①The Belt and Road Initiative had significantly improved the environmental quality of countries along the routes.The conclusions remained robust after the introduction of the placebo test,the use of instrumental variables to alleviate possible endogenous problems and a series of other robustness tests.②The results of heterogeneity analysis showed that the Belt and Road Initiative exerted a greater effect on the countries with lower environmental quality than those with higher quality in terms of environmental improvements.③Mechanism analysis showed that the Belt and Road Initiative improved the environmental quality of countries along the routes by promoting technological progress and strengthening environmental regulation,but it failed to significantly improve the environmental quality of these countries by promoting clean energy structure and industrial structure and increasing the scale effect.Therefore,China should continue to vigorously promote the concept of developing a green Belt and Road,expand the coverage of the green Belt and Road,improve the level of clean energy structure of the Belt and Road countries through investment and cooperation,and promote the clean transformation of their industrial structure.These findings provide empirical evidence and implications for the better promotion of the green Belt and Road Initiative,and have certain reference value for the follow-up implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Research on the Investment Effect of Chinese Cultural “Going Out” —Empirical Evidence from the Countries along the “Belt and Road”

This paper is based on 2006-2017 relevant data of 56 countries along the “Belt and Road” to find out the investment effect of cultural “going out”. The empirical results show that: cultural “going out” has a significant promotion effect on China’s foreign direct investment;this effect has national heterogeneity, which is more effective for emerging markets and developing countries;for some traditional influence factors, such as traditional GDP per capita and time for diplomatic relations, cultural “going out” has a substitution effect. Finally, according to the empirical results, put forward targeted suggestions.

Evaluation of Key Factors for the Port Logistics Development in Countries Along the Belt and Road

The port logistics capacity of countries along the Belt and Road is of great significance to promoting Chinese overseas comprehensive supporting system. The study combines quality data with numerical data to extract the key factors affecting the port logistics development for countries along the Belt and Road. Based on grey correlation analysis and factor analysis, 17 major ports of these countries are evaluated from 11 key factors. The results show that infrastructure, transportation,and entering and leaving costs are crucial for the development of port logistics. The research provides scientific decision-making basis for the construction of an overseas comprehensive supporting system under the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Analysis on the spatial pattern and evolution of China's petroleum trade under the dual effect of international oil price and “Belt and Road” Framework

“Belt and Road” is the important origin of oil import in China. Based on social network analysis and stochastic frontier gravity model, this paper studied the characteristic evolution and influence factor of oil import network between China and “Belt and Road” countries. Then by constructing a stochastic frontier gravity model including the crude oil future price and oil importing price, it found that the international crude oil future price, the oil importing price, the political situation, the trade agreements have the effects on the China's oil import from “Belt and Road” region. It provided suggestions for improving the spatial pattern of China's petroleum trade.

Towards a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind:Theoretical Basis and Practical Logic of Jointly Advancing the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)has embarked on a decade-long journey since its proposal in 2013 and has gone through such tough challenges as the COVID-19,the Ukraine crisis and intensifying rivalry among major countries.Rising to these challenges head-on,the BRI has shown strong resilience and vitality.On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Promote Communication of Ideas to Offer Advice for the Belt and Road Construction

The joint construction of the Belt and Road is a grand exchange of ideas across countries,civilizations and systems.The common cause requires contributions from the wisdom of all continents in the world.At a special forum on Think Tank Communications during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held on October 18,former politicians,representatives of think tanks and well-known scholars from more than 40 countries,regions and international organizations held discussions and exchanged ideas centering on the theme of“common opportunities,shared future”.

International Communication of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Digital Era

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI),from concept to action,and from a blueprint to high-quality cooperation,has had a widespread impact on the world over the past ten years,and has become a representative Chinese discourse and Chinese hallmark.Over the past decade,China has joined hands with other countries in pursuing high-quality BRI cooperation,shared development opportunities for common development.

Belt and Road Construction’s Achievement of the Past Decade and Development Prospect

Ten years ago,with deep insight into global development trends and to promote common development and human progress,General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the grand Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).Over the past decade,the Belt and Road construction has not only forcefully advanced the global connectivity process and injected significant dynamics to the world economic recovery but also created a brand new model of international cooperative development,and conducted innovative exploration for change on global governance.