China’s global ambitions have entered a new phase. Once defined by the expansive infrastructure projects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing's strategy is now shifting toward a more sustainable and cooperative model: the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Launched in 2021, the GDI reflects China’s adaptation to mounting global challenges, from climate change to economic inequality, while seeking to counter Western-led development frameworks. But does this transition represent a genuine commitment to multilateralism, or is it merely a recalibrated effort to expand Chinese influence?

A thorough literature review includes sources on the Chinese Communist Party’s 21st-century policies, Chinese foreign policy, and critical discussions on the BRI. Notably, Xi Jinping’s speeches in Kazakhstan (2013) and at the UN General Assembly (2021) serve as key primary sources. However, the GDI remains underexplored in academic literature, presenting a research gap this study seeks to address.

This article will unpack the evolution from the BRI to the GDI, analyzing how rhetoric, policy, and global reception have shaped China’s foreign policy trajectory.

Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), officially launched in March 2015 through a joint declaration signed by President Xi Jinping and leaders from 29 countries, is a large-scale global economic integration project driven by China. Initially aimed at enhancing connectivity between China and other nations via investments in infrastructure, trade, and financial cooperation, the BRI was first introduced in Xi Jinping’s 2013 speech, "A New Vision for Asia’s Economic and Development Cooperation." This initiative comprises an extensive network of roads, highways, and maritime routes linking China with Asia, Europe, and Africa. While proponents view it as a mechanism for fostering multilateral cooperation, skeptics argue it serves as a strategic tool to expand Beijing’s global influence. This dual perception fuels ongoing debates regarding the BRI’s true geopolitical implications.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted China's financial strategies, leading to a more cautious approach towards international lending. As a result, the BRI has shifted its focus toward smaller, sustainable projects, emphasizing environmental responsibility and collaboration. This adjustment reflects China’s recognition of previous shortcomings, prompting a recalibration of its ambitions. Concurrently, the European Union’s Global Gateway and the G7’s infrastructure initiatives have emerged as challenges to China’s dominance in global infrastructure development, highlighting a competitive geopolitical landscape.

Belt and Road Initiative outcomes

Despite criticisms of the BRI, such as allegations of "debt trap diplomacy" and a lack of transparency, its impact on global infrastructure is undeniable. China has funded significant projects, including standard-gauge railways in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya, as well as high-speed rail systems in Southeast Asia. Investments in ports, industrial zones, and economic corridors have facilitated regional integration, bolstered economies, and provided alternative development pathways for emerging nations.

Xi Jinping’s 2013 speech at Nazarbayev University, announcing the BRI, exemplifies China’s diplomatic strategy. His rhetoric emphasized historical and cultural ties, portraying China as a cooperative and benevolent power. Through historical references, ideological framing, and emotional appeals, he positioned the BRI as a means to revitalize the Silk Road while promoting mutual economic growth. This discourse analysis highlights China’s strategic use of soft power to legitimize its expanding influence in Central Asia and beyond.

The global development initiative

Overview of the Global Development Initiative

The decline of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) does not mark the end of expansive Chinese foreign policy projects. Instead, it has led to a strategic shift toward more focused and sustainable initiatives, culminating in the Global Development Initiative (GDI), introduced in 2021. This transition reflects China's recognition of global climate challenges and its role as a leader in renewable energy investments, aligning economic expansion with sustainability goals.

The GDI builds upon the foundational aspects of the BRI while refining its approach. Prioritizing poverty alleviation, healthcare, food security, green energy, and the digital economy, the initiative positions development as the cornerstone of global security and cooperation. This vision, reinforced by China's Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, underscores Beijing's advocacy for a multipolar world order. Notably, over 100 nations and international organizations, including the United Nations, have expressed support for the initiative, despite Western skepticism regarding its underlying motives.

Xi Jinping’s big speech at the UN: softer power move?

When Xi Jinping took the virtual stage at the 76th UN General Assembly, he wasn’t just making a speech — he was signaling a shift. With a strong dose of optimism and a focus on unity, inclusivity, and shared progress, Xi introduced the Global Development Initiative (GDI) as China’s answer to the world’s biggest headaches: the pandemic, climate change, and inequality.

He spoke in "we" and "us" terms — no accident there. It was a rhetorical move to build solidarity and present China not as a lone superpower, but as a team player. Buzzwords like “peace,” “justice,” and “development” helped reinforce that image of China as a leader that’s all about fairness and cooperation.

And just in case anyone missed the contrast, he took a not-so-subtle jab at Western powers. He criticized “closed circles” and “zero-sum” games”—diplomatic code for alliances and rivalries that, in his view, only stir up global tension. At the same time, he doubled down on climate commitments, highlighting China’s investments in renewables — a nod to green goals despite ongoing concerns about emissions.

Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative: what’s the difference?

Remember the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? It was China’s big infrastructure push, building railways, roads, and ports around the globe — mostly funded by Beijing. But it also sparked some backlash: debt worries, lack of transparency, and accusations of one-sided benefit.

Enter the GDI. It’s like BRI’s more collaborative, eco-conscious cousin. Instead of big concrete projects, the GDI focuses on working with other countries to tackle global development together, with more emphasis on sustainability, equality, and shared decision-making. Think less bulldozers, more brainstorming.

It’s also a savvy move to answer criticism and show that China is listening. By pivoting toward multilateralism, Beijing is rebranding, aiming to look more like a global partner than a dominating force.

A rhetorical glow-up?

Compare Xi’s 2013 speech at Nazarbayev University (where he first introduced the Silk Road Economic Belt) to the 2021 UN address, and you’ll see a clear evolution. The earlier speech leaned heavily on historical and cultural bonds — a regional pitch for connectivity and trade. Fast forward to the UN speech, and the scope is much wider: it’s global, it’s cooperative, and it frames China as a leader not just in development, but in diplomacy and global governance.

So, it’s safe to say that China is rethinking how it talks to the world — and how it wants the world to see it.

What’s next for the GDI?

The GDI signals a shift in how China engages with the world: from a builder of roads to a broker of partnerships. It’s a softer, more inclusive approach that highlights sustainability and cooperation over steel and cement.

Of course, questions remain — how transparent will the initiative be? Will countries get a genuine seat at the table? And how will it play out amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially with the West?

Still, the GDI marks a clear attempt by China to shape the rules of the game. It’s a strategic pivot toward a new kind of global influence — one that looks a lot more like partnership than power play. whether it work? That’s a story still unfolding.