The Belt and Road Initiative’s Environmental Champion–Villain Paradox: How New Governance Mechanisms Pave the Way for a Green Belt and Road

This article explores China’s environmental champion–villain paradox within the context of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Specifically, in structurally breaking down China’s industrial governance framework, this article identifies the root structural causes of the disjointed development of the BRI at its early stage. It argues how the recent framework reforms mark a significant step towards the actual greening of the Belt and Road.