Green is the defining feature of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed the need to pursue open and green development in Belt and Road cooperation. Over the years, China has worked hand in hand with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners to advance green, low-carbon, and sustainable development, while steadily deepening cooperation in such areas as green infrastructure, green energy, and green transportation. Nevertheless, the development of the Green BRI still faces many risks and challenges. Constraints in addressing climate change have grown more stringent, and the level of international cooperation on ecological and environmental protection remains to be improved. How can the BRI be advanced in a greener direction? In this edition, we have invited experts to share their insights on these issues.

Unlocking the Potential ofGreen Cooperation to CreateNew Drivers of Growth

In recent years, how has China integrated the vision of green development into the process of Belt and Road cooperation and worked with partner countries to jointly advance green, low-carbon, and sustainable development?

Chen Gang, Secretary-General of the BRI International Green Development Coalition: Today, global ecological crises — climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution — are posing serious threats to the future of humanity. Green development has therefore become a shared concern and a goal actively pursued by all countries. BRI partners generally face the tension between fragile ecosystems and the demands of economic growth. Global climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Agricultural production and water supply are under strain, and the optimization of energy structures requires both policy and technological support. Building a Green BRI has provided strong support for partner countries in addressing environmental and developmental challenges and in achieving a green, low-carbon transition, thereby contributing Chinese wisdom to the joint effort to build a clean and beautiful world.

Since the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed in 2013, General Secretary Xi Jinping has articulated a series of important statements, including "intensify efforts to protect the ecological environment and work together to build a green Silk Road," "make green a defining feature, boost green infrastructure, green investment and green finance, and protect the common home we live in," and "moving ahead with the development of the multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, one that is led by the building of a green Silk Road and will empower a digital Silk Road." Guided by these visions, the building of a Green Belt and Road has advanced from concept and vision to concrete action, and is now moving toward high-quality development.

In 2015, the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments issued the Vision and Actions on Jointly Building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, explicitly calling for "promoting green and low-carbon infrastructure construction and operation management" and "promote ecological progress in conducting investment and trade, increase cooperation in conserving eco-environment, protecting biodiversity, and tackling climate change, and join hands to make the Silk Road an environment friendly one." This was followed by a succession of key policy documents, including the Belt and Road Ecological and Environmental Cooperation Plan and the Guidance on Promoting Green Belt and Road, which set out the overarching approach, specific objectives, and priority tasks for building the Green Belt and Road, and mapped out its timetable and roadmap.

In recent years, China has helped bring to fruition a number of green development projects that have become prominent green landmarks of Belt and Road cooperation and have won broad international recognition. In Indonesia, the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway project, with Chinese participation, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 330,000 tonnes. In Kenya, the China-built Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway has adhered to strict environmental standards throughout its construction and operation, minimizing disruption to wildlife habitats. As former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta observed, "The Madaraka Express is not just about making history — it is about building a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature." In Ghana, a Chinese enterprise constructing the new container terminal at Port of Tema set up a sea turtle conservation program to provide an optimal environment for local hatchlings, significantly improving hatching rates and embodying the principle of harmony between humanity and nature.

The Green Belt and Road has created an important platform for developing countries in the Global South to tap into China's development momentum and achieve green, low-carbon growth. According to incomplete statistics, since 2016 China has provided and mobilized more than RMB 177 billion in climate-related funding for other developing countries. These resources have supported developing countries in improving the clean and efficient use of energy, enhancing their climate change adaptation capabilities, and advancing environmental protection, while also contributing to local livelihoods and public well-being. The so-called "New Three" of products — new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products — not only enjoy strong demand in BRI partner countries but are also driving the green transformation of their industries. China's wind and photovoltaic products are now sold in over 200 countries and regions, enriching global supply and making a positive contribution to energy transition and the stability of global energy markets.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), it will be essential to maintain strategic resolve in pursuing green, low-carbon development, seize the opportunities of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, unlock the potential for green cooperation, and create new drivers of economic growth to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Efforts should focus on responding to global climate change and promoting green, low-carbon transition, with priority areas including green energy, green transportation, and green finance. This means advancing the development and utilization of clean energy such as solar and wind, channeling more investment into green projects, supporting the development of energy-saving, emission-reducing, and environmental protection technologies, and sharing China's experience in green, low-carbon development with Belt and Road partners. Achieving the Green Belt and Road requires not only guidance from government departments but also the combined strength of multiple stakeholders, including social organizations, civil groups, research institutions, and enterprises. It is important to leverage the role of these diverse actors, strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, explore cross-institutional cooperation, and forge strong synergies for progress.

Taking Green Transportation Globalto Support Pollutionand Carbon Reduction

What are the highlights of China's cooperation with Belt and Road partners in developing green transportation infrastructure?

Gong Weiwei, Senior Engineer at the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center: Transportation is the lifeblood of the economy and the link between civilizations. Connectivity in transportation infrastructure — railways, highways, ports, and airports — has been a priority and a leading area of Belt and Road cooperation. The transport sector is one of the major sources of energy consumption and carbon emissions. In 2024, global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions totaled about 37.8 billion tonnes, with the transport sector accounting for around 24 percent. Many Belt and Road partner countries are in regions sensitive to climate change, including ecologically fragile areas such as desertification zones in Central Asia and flood-prone areas in Southeast Asia. Transport infrastructure often has a large land footprint and complex engineering requirements. By promoting renewable energy use and applying low-carbon transport technologies, green transportation infrastructure can significantly reduce regional carbon emissions and mitigate environmental impacts. Leveraging its technological and production strengths in new energy, China's efforts to "go global" with green transportation infrastructure can also generate new drivers of economic growth.

In recent years, the level of connectivity in transportation infrastructure and trade efficiency among Belt and Road countries and regions has steadily improved. This has not only advanced regional economic integration but also created synergies between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, and promoted harmony between transport systems and nature.

When Chinese enterprises undertake railway, highway, port, and other transportation infrastructure projects in Belt and Road partner countries, they apply the concept of low-carbon and environmentally friendly development throughout the planning, construction, and operation stages. The China–Laos Railway, for instance, has set up dedicated migration passages for Asian elephants, underpasses for small mammals, and "eco-bridges" for birds. In the more than three years since it opened, infrared monitoring has shown a marked increase in the frequency of Asian elephants crossing the border compared with pre-construction levels — achieving the ecological goal of "the railway skirts the rainforest, and wildlife follow the passages." As an electrified railway, the China–Laos line emits over 70 percent less carbon than traditional diesel locomotives. The Addis Ababa Ring Road project in Ethiopia pioneered the use of full-scale new energy facilities, intelligent sensor street lighting, and rainwater recycling systems during its construction phase, along with carefully designed wildlife corridors — creating a replicable model for green development. In Cambodia, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the first overseas international airport to be invested in, built, and operated by a Chinese enterprise. Following an integrated design approach, it adopted a holistic plan for transportation and landscape ecosystems in and around the airport. The terminal's design draws on traditional Cambodian sloped-roof architecture and incorporates Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, effectively reducing resource and energy consumption while ensuring harmony between large-scale transport infrastructure, tropical ecosystems, and cultural heritage. In Greece, the Port of Piraeus has undergone green and low-carbon upgrades since its takeover by China COSCO Shipping Corporation. Ships at berth can now shut down their diesel generators and connect directly to the power grid. In 2025, the port added biofuel bunkering services for vessels. Today, it has become the largest green port in the Mediterranean.

From exemplary projects to the development of international rules, China's promotion and application of green transport technologies have achieved notable results. The Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway, the first high-speed line in Southeast Asia, uses a domestically developed permanent magnet traction motor, significantly reducing carbon emissions over its life cycle. Its purpose-built trainsets feature an integrated main–auxiliary power supply system, cutting energy consumption by more than 30 percent. In May this year, the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center, together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Greater Tumen Initiative, co-organized the High-Level Meeting on Deepening Digitalization of International Rail Transport in Asia-Pacific. The meeting launched a program to align railway transport standards among neighboring countries, aiming to harmonize technical specifications, reduce barriers, and improve connectivity. The program will serve as a foundation for the mutual recognition of railway standards in the region and provide support for countries in formulating their own rules and standards, contributing to a global sustainable transport system that is safe, convenient, efficient, green, cost-effective, inclusive, and resilient.

Despite these advances, green transportation infrastructure still faces several challenges. First, differences in standards lead to high coordination costs. Partner countries' policies, regulations, environmental requirements, and technical specifications vary, and project approval must comply with multiple sets of rules. Cross-border facilities, such as green freight terminals for China–Europe Railway Express services, involve complex negotiations over investment sharing and operational responsibilities, which can easily give rise to divergent interests. Second, there are gaps in funding and technological sustainability. Green transport projects — such as low-carbon ports or electric bus systems — require significant upfront investment and have long payback periods. Limited fiscal capacity in some countries and risk concerns among private investors hinder participation. In addition, some developing countries lack the capacity to apply green technologies, making them dependent on external support for equipment maintenance and system operations. Third, local adaptation can be difficult. In regions with challenging terrain and environments — such as Southeast Asian rainforests or West Asian deserts — projects may spark ecological concerns. In countries with underdeveloped infrastructure, facilities like charging stations may not function effectively due to insufficient supporting networks. Differences in cultural practices can also affect project acceptance.

Looking ahead, it will be important to establish a multilateral coordination framework, sign cooperation agreements with partner countries, and incorporate green transportation into bilateral and multilateral arrangements. A "policy alignment plus project implementation" dual-track approach should be adopted to ensure that green objectives run through all stages of planning, construction, and operation. Financing models such as "multilateral loans plus market-based financing" should be promoted, along with the creation of a regional green transportation fund to attract multinational enterprises. Technical cooperation should combine "technology transfer with localized training", building local operations and maintenance teams during project construction to reduce dependence on external expertise. A project risk early warning system should be established, with priority given to advancing in politically stable regions with strong cooperation foundations. "Small yet smart" demonstration projects — such as mini solar-powered charging stations — can be used to deepen cooperation. International organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme should be invited to participate in evaluations, and public communication efforts should be strengthened.

Vast Opportunities for Greenand Clean Energy Cooperation

What is the significance of cooperation in green energy, and what practical results have been achieved so far?

Lu Ruquan, President of the China National Petroleum Corporation's Economics & Technology Research Institute: Green energy cooperation is an important component of Green BRI and has become a key avenue for Belt and Road partners to promote green and sustainable growth and to build an open and mutually beneficial energy community. In October 2024, the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference adopted the Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan (2024–2029), providing a roadmap for member countries of the Belt and Road Energy Partnership to advance green energy cooperation over the next five years.

Green energy cooperation holds particular significance for building a Green Belt and Road. Climate change is a challenge shared by all humanity. Against the backdrop of frequent extreme weather events and an accelerating global energy transition, 151 countries have announced carbon neutrality targets, covering approximately 92 percent of global GDP, 89 percent of the world's population, and 88 percent of carbon emissions. Strengthening green energy cooperation can help pool global resources for sustainable development and climate action. Working with Belt and Road partners to develop solar, wind, geothermal, and other new energy sources — alongside investment and technology transfer in new energy equipment manufacturing — can create local jobs, reduce poverty, and foster economic growth and low-carbon transformation in partner countries. At present, global energy cooperation faces a complex and volatile external environment, and the risks to stable and secure energy supply are on the rise. Strengthening green energy cooperation, supporting partner countries in optimizing their energy mix, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels — while enabling China's electricity, new energy, and other competitive industries and equipment to "go global" — will help build a safer and more resilient global energy industrial and supply chain.

In recent years, Green Belt and Road energy cooperation has delivered substantial and tangible results.

Top-level mechanisms for international energy cooperation have been steadily improved. China has established intergovernmental energy cooperation mechanisms with more than 90 countries and regions, and forged partnerships with over 30 international energy organizations and multilateral mechanisms. Six regional platforms for sustainable energy cooperation — China–ASEAN, China–Arab States, China–African Union, China–Central and Eastern Europe, China–Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Sustainable Energy Center — are now operational and delivering results.

Practical cooperation in the energy sector has continued to advance. China is currently engaged in green energy projects with more than 100 countries and regions. In 2024, China's investment in clean energy reached USD 625 billion — accounting for one-third of the global total — cementing its role as a "stabilizer" of the global clean energy production and supply chain. By deepening cooperation on renewable energy projects in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, China has provided solid resource foundations for host countries to pursue energy transition and green, low-carbon development. Leveraging its scale and integrated industrial advantages, China has promoted the "going global" of equipment manufacturing, engineering, and technical services. China's clean energy industry has continued to expand in scale, and in 2024 accounted for over 70 percent of the world's wind power equipment and lithium battery supply, as well as more than 80 percent of photovoltaic modules. A series of projects — including solar PV projects, wind power installations, and transmission lines — has been built in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The promotion of Chinese equipment manufacturing and technical standards has helped alleviate energy poverty in host countries and boosted their economic growth.

Green finance has played an increasingly important role in safeguarding international energy cooperation. China has actively cooperated with international financial institutions, supported domestic financial institutions in innovating and expanding their overseas business, and promoted the growth of the new energy industry. For example, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund has formed joint ventures with three Chinese enterprises to localize the production of renewable energy equipment and components in Saudi Arabia. China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation has supported China Energy Engineering Croup in investing in two photovoltaic projects in Uzbekistan, mobilizing financing of about RMB 3.3 billion. The Export–Import Bank of China has joined a syndicated loan led by the Asian Development Bank for the Gulf of Thailand Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Project, supporting clean energy development in Thailand.

International exchanges and cooperation have contributed Chinese wisdom to global energy governance. Mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Energy Partnership and the Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan have provided both a framework and institutional safeguards for cooperation. Under these mechanisms, countries have engaged in orderly collaboration to advance green energy. The Executive Summary of China Energy Transformation Outlook 2024 was released at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), contributing Chinese perspectives and solutions to global energy governance.

At present, the world is undergoing a period of profound turbulence and transformation, and Green Belt and Road energy cooperation is not without its difficulties. These include major differences in policies and regulations among host countries, high costs of coordination and communication, the absence of unified technical standards, incompatibility between systems and equipment, insufficient investment in clean energy, and challenges in securing financing.

Looking to the future, there is vast potential for advancing Green Belt and Road energy cooperation to address global climate change, achieve carbon neutrality, and promote green and sustainable development. First, deepen policy dialogue and alignment of development plans to steadily advance practical cooperation in clean and low-carbon energy sectors such as hydropower, wind power, photovoltaics, and green hydrogen. Second, intensify scientific and technological innovation, promote the application of digital and intelligent technologies in the energy sector, and enhance energy efficiency. Third, strengthen financial support for green energy cooperation, using green finance to leverage the green transformation of Belt and Road partner countries. Fourth, invest in human capital through capacity-building and international exchanges, providing the intellectual foundation for green energy cooperation.

Building a Sustainable GreenInvestment and Financing System

What progress has been made in cooperation between China and Belt and Road partners on green investment and financing to support green industries?

Chen Han, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow at the International Cooperation and Development Research Center, International Institute of Green Finance, Central University of Finance and Economics: Financial connectivity is an important pillar of Belt and Road cooperation. In recent years, China has leveraged the combined strengths of policy-based, developmental, commercial, and cooperative finance to build a long-term, stable, and sustainable green investment and financing system, providing an enduring source of financial momentum for Green Belt and Road development. In 2023 alone, Chinese enterprises' green investment in Belt and Road countries reached USD 22.28 billion, accounting for 44 percent of total investment, with clean transportation and clean energy as the main focus, representing 40.39 percent and 15.44 percent of total green investment respectively. These projects have not only improved local infrastructure but also enhanced partner countries' capacity to address climate change, underscoring the Belt and Road Initiative's important role in advancing sustainable development.

Chinese financial institutions — ranging from policy banks and insurance companies to major state-owned commercial banks, joint-stock commercial banks, commercial insurers, and international cooperation funds such as the Silk Road Fund and the China–Africa Development Fund — are actively engaged in promoting Green Belt and Road cooperation. Multilateral development banks, multilateral climate funds, and international commercial financial institutions have also provided valuable support, offering green financing and technical assistance to partner countries. Policy-based financial institutions remain the backbone of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In 2023, the China Development Bank and the Export–Import Bank of China each operationalized RMB 350 billion in Belt and Road financing facilities. China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation has strengthened underwriting support for low-carbon and green products, using an integrated range of insurance products and full-chain services to build a robust risk shield for green industries going global. In 2024, it supported green trade and projects totaling USD 60.56 billion.

Various financial institutions are also driving innovation in green financing instruments, expanding the range of channels — loans, equity, and bonds — through which financing is provided for Green Belt and Road projects. First, they have participated in international syndicated loan arrangements, partnering with multilateral development banks to combine strengths and share risks. For instance, the Zhanatas wind power project in Kazakhstan received a syndicated loan from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Green Climate Fund — marking a shift in Chinese enterprises' overseas engagement from traditional engineering contracting to integrated models involving operations management and joint financing. Second, institutions have issued a series of green Belt and Road–themed bonds, including Belt and Road green climate bonds and green bonds under the Belt and Road Bankers Roundtable. Foreign governments and financial institutions have also participated actively in China's green bond market. In 2023, the Bank of China assisted the Egyptian government in issuing RMB 3.5 billion worth of sustainable development panda bonds in the Chinese domestic market, filling a gap for African issuers in this segment. Third, in terms of green development assistance, China's South–South Cooperation Assistance Fund and multilateral financial institutions have provided grants or grant–investment combinations to leverage additional green investment. For example, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has set a target to provide USD 17 billion in loans annually by 2030, with more than 50 percent earmarked for climate financing — expected to mobilize USD 50 billion in private capital.

Strengthen environmental and social risk management for investment projects. A sound system for environmental and climate risk assessment and management is the foundation for achieving sustainable development and securing green financing. China has issued policy documents such as the Green Development Guidelines for Overseas Investment and Cooperation and the Guidelines for the Protection of the Ecological Environment of Overseas Investment Cooperation Construction Projects to promote the integration of green principles throughout the entire process of outbound investment. In 2018, the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road, jointly released by China and the United Kingdom, incorporated low-carbon and sustainable development into the Belt and Road Initiative. To date, 53 institutions have signed on, making it an important mechanism for advancing green governance under the BRI.

That said, Belt and Road countries still face a number of common challenges in advancing green investment and financing, which need to be addressed through institutional innovation and mechanism improvement.

First, work is needed to establish unified green finance standards. At present, there is no globally unified green finance standard adapted to the circumstances of developing countries, which constrains cross-border recognition of green projects and the interconnection of green capital markets. To promote comparability, compatibility, and consistency of global green finance standards, the People's Bank of China has jointly compiled the Multi-Jurisdiction Common Ground Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance with the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union of the European Commission and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. While its global application remains limited, broader participation and gradual alignment of rules could make it a foundational framework in international green finance, enhancing transparency and coordination in green investment and financing.

Second, innovative investment and financing models should be explored. Many small and medium-sized renewable energy projects with strong development potential require flexible and efficient financing mechanisms. Enterprises should be encouraged to move from the role of traditional engineering contractors to that of project developers and equity investors, actively exploring hybrid financing arrangements — led by Chinese parties with participation from multilateral development banks and international developers — as well as public–private partnership models. Innovative debt-swap instruments could also be promoted to help ease debt burdens in Belt and Road partner countries while expanding financing space for green development projects and increasing Chinese financial institutions' lending capacity.

Third, environmental and social risk management must be strengthened. As more Chinese enterprises shift toward integrated models of investment, construction, and operation, both enterprises and financial institutions should reinforce full life-cycle environmental and social risk management, establish regular communication mechanisms with local stakeholders, and develop monitoring and early warning systems tailored to priority countries, sectors, and projects, to ensure the sustainable operation of investments.