The EU’s attempt to lead global infrastructure development has been costly, but still lags behind America and China’s investment programs. Europe needs to make significant changes to catch up to the world’s leading powers.

Italy’s Belt and Road engagement, which was led by the previous liberal administration, is coming to an end, but the inroads China has made in Italy means that creating distance can’t be done with the stroke of a pen.

China no longer needs to move mountains or reclaim seas, as in ancient legend. Through technology, infrastructure, trade, finance, people and government policies such barriers have long since vanished. The BRI does, however, revive an essential ancient spirit.

Looking eastward does not mean that China and Iran intend to join forces against the United States. While they do share opposition to hegemony and abuse of power, they are currently more focused on tapping and enhancing economic cooperation.

It is the mission of the think tank to stay on high alert against potential risks and explore possible solutions to challenges. The international system is currently undergoing the most dramatic changes since the end of the Cold War. The peaceful and open international environment, which has been taken for granted over the last four decades, is now overshadowed by formidable challenges. In this context, it is the think tank’s responsibility to explore and identify external security risks that might pose threats to China in the months and years ahead.

Recent headlines have broadcasted the Gulf Cooperation Council’s new deal with China, with tens of billions of dollars. Some may see it as a signal of a coming divorce with the West, but careful analysis reveals that the GCC can balance relations to both sides.

The race of geopolitical strategies based on infrastructural development abroad is a part of the new great powers rivalry. The so-called geo-economics contest (Luttwak) is the new global battle, a competition through commerce for getting economic advantages at the intersection of investments and loans, contracts opportunities, conquest of more worldwide market share and improvement of own supply chains, with the declared noble aim of contributing to global development.

China’s next move is the subject of much speculation and worry for observers and enemies. The current conditions of today’s geopolitical stage should lead China towards its Southeast Asian neighbors in what may be its next international outreach campaign.

The world is largely off track in terms of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. But China’s Global Development Initiative and Belt and Road Initiative can work together for a better future.

The EU’s Global Gateway project is an answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and one that the EU hopes will provide a more liberal-led alternative to China’s investments. Whether or not a values-based approach to development will remain to be seen.