China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Quest for Identity’s Foreign Policy on the Global Stage

Considerable evidence is available to show that China has emerged on the global stage as an undisputed major power competing vigorously for a unique foreign policy identity. This study explores stakeholders’ perspectives on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on foreign policy identity on the global stage. It analysed the stakeholders' perspective in Nigeria (Nigeria, being the largest BRI partner country in Africa engaging in the various BRI infrastructure development projects and programmes. Based on the stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions, the insights are intended to enhance scholarship in quantitative research and, consequently inform policy. The paper anchored on Complex Interdependence Theory to explain how the integration of BRI globally influences foreign policy identity rather than dominance status. It also linked Realism to determine the limitations of the BRI as a tool for China’s expansion of power in the global system. It is a qualitative study that employed both primary and secondary data sources. Analysis of the stakeholders’ perspective showed that the BRI is perceived as a dynamic foreign policy, strategically designed by China’s leadership to create a distinct space for China and enhance effective competition with other powers in the system. The perspectives showed that China built its foreign policy identity through the BRI on the philosophy and cultural characteristics of the Chinese. The study therefore concludes that China’s foreign policy identity and BRI expansion are intricately linked to culture, sense of productivity, work ethic, and visionary leadership. It predicts, among others, that leadership will continue to play a significant role in China's national interest, strategic plan, and foreign policy identity.