The Influence of the Belt and Road Initiative on China’s Advancement in Global Value Chains and Developing Economies: A Systematic Review

Faezeh Moradi Haghighi and Michael Augustín

Chinese Economy, 2026, vol. 59, issue 2, 87-114

Abstract: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a pivotal role in shaping global trade, influencing China’s position in global value chains (GVCs), and integrating developing economies. This study conducts a systematic literature review to analyze the impact of the BRI on GVC participation and structural transformations in global trade. Following a rigorous search and selection process, relevant studies were identified, screened, and categorized into key thematic areas. The review follows a structured seven-step systematic review protocol, utilizing Scopus and Web of Science as primary databases. The review employs thematic synthesis to examine how infrastructure development, foreign direct investment (FDI), institutional frameworks, and trade policies under the BRI contribute to shifts in GVC positioning. Findings reveal that BRI-related investments enhance trade connectivity, promote industrial upgrading, and strengthen regional production linkages, enabling developing economies to move up the value chain. Meanwhile, China has leveraged the initiative to consolidate its role in high-value-added segments of GVCs. However, concerns regarding geopolitical risks, financial dependencies, and environmental implications highlight the complexity of BRI’s long-term effects. This study provides a structured synthesis of existing research, identifies gaps in literature, and offers insights into future studies on the evolving nexus between the BRI and GVCs.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2025.2526259

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