Win-Win Cooperation Between China and Belt and Road Partner Countries in the Green and Low-Carbon Industries: A Case Study of the New Energy Vehicle Industry

This chapter examines how China can achieve mutually beneficial cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries in developing green and low-carbon industries, using the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector as a central case. It begins by documenting China’s rapid emergence as a global leader in NEVs, driven by strong policy support, technological progress, and a comprehensive industrial supply chain. Despite these achievements, the industry faces growing challenges, including intense domestic competition, persistent price wars, and underutilized capacity. Against this backdrop, the chapter argues that international expansion has become a strategic imperative. It identifies two main pathways: localized production and direct investment in developed markets to navigate trade barriers, and vehicle exports combined with infrastructure development in emerging and developing economies. These strategies not only enhance firm profitability and alleviate domestic overcapacity, but also support host countries in advancing their green transitions. The chapter further highlights that such cooperation generates broad spillovers, including job creation, technology transfer, and supply chain upgrading. Overall, deeper engagement with BRI economies provides a viable path to balance domestic industrial pressures while promoting mutually reinforcing global low-carbon development.