How does China’s Belt and Road Initiative outperform EU’s Global Gateway Strategy

Abstract

The paper compares the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), analyzing their strategic goals, implementation models, and outcomes. It highlights the EU’s focus on geopolitical balance, competitiveness, and value-driven diplomacy, aiming to counter China’s growing global influence while promoting democratic values. However, the paper argues that the EU’s approach is hindered by internal divisions, insufficient resources, and mismatched priorities with developing countries. In contrast, China’s BRI demonstrates greater stability, inclusivity, and sustainability. The BRI’s cooperative framework, centered on mutual benefits, has led to more significant infrastructural and economic development in partner nations. By prioritizing local needs and fostering long-term collaboration, the BRI surpasses the EU’s Global Gateway in terms of tangible impact, highlighting the limitations of a values-driven, top-down approach. This paper concludes that while both initiatives seek to reshape global infrastructure, China’s BRI is more effective in addressing the challenges of the Global South.