China's environmental journey: the role of the Green BRI, circular economy and waste management in sustainable development.

China's economy is now among the top three in the world in terms of nominal GDP, reflecting the country's rapid industrialization and modernization over recent decades. In 2013, the Chinese government officially launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a strategic infrastructure development project aimed at improving trade connections between China and numerous Eurasian countries through six land and maritime economic corridors. As of today, 152 nations have joined the initiative, with the goal of boosting trade, attracting foreign investment, and expanding China’s export flows. However, the environmental impact of the BRI and its repercussions on local ecosystems have raised increasing international concern. This thesis aims to analyse the main strategies adopted by China to address these environmental challenges, focusing on three key areas: the launch of the Green Belt and Road Initiative in 2015, the promotion of the circular economy, and the waste management system. The analysis draws on academic literature, official documents, and websites of international organizations. Finally, a qualitative interview was conducted with a group of Chinese companies from Guangdong Province on the topics of industrial waste management and sustainable development, to integrate the research with first-hand insights. The findings provide an understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the Green BRI, highlighting how the circular economy and more efficient waste management can contribute to sustainable development. These insights can support policymakers and businesses in defining more responsible and innovative strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of the BRI.