Green Supply Chain Management in China's Belt and Road Initiative Project

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, stands as one of the most extensive infrastructure and economic development strategies in the modern era, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating global economic growth. However, the large-scale industrial activities, transportation, and construction associated with the BRI have raised considerable environmental concerns. In response, Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) emerges as a strategic solution to reconcile development with sustainability. GSCM integrates environmental considerations into every stage of the supply chain, including green procurement, eco-design, green manufacturing, reverse logistics, and stakeholder collaboration. This article critically examines the intersection between GSCM and the BRI, exploring how sustainability is being addressed through policy frameworks, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Drawing on Ecological Modernization Theory and Stakeholder Theory, the study investigates the role of government policies such as the Green Development Guidelines and BRI Green Investment Principles, as well as the application of smart logistics and renewable energy technologies (CCICED). Case studies such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi Railway illustrate both the opportunities and challenges in implementing GSCM practices. Despite growing awareness and policy initiatives, barriers such as dependence on fossil fuels, weak regulatory enforcement, and limited stakeholder alignment persist. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen environmental governance, enhance international collaboration, and incentivize green innovation to ensure that the BRI evolves as a model for environmentally responsible development.