China expands Belt and Road with renewable energy and digital infrastructure projects

China is redirecting its Belt and Road Initiative toward green energy, allocating $20.1 billion to renewable projects in the first half of 2026. The funding targets solar farms, wind parks, battery factories and transmission networks, shifting the focus from coal‑heavy infrastructure to low‑cost clean‑tech exports and know‑how.

At the same time, Beijing is building a Digital Silk Road, investing in subsea fiber‑optic cables such as the PEACE cable that links Pakistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya and Europe, and supplying 4G/5G equipment through firms like Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile and China Telecom. The strategy aims to turn data flows into a strategic asset, extending China’s geopolitical influence beyond physical ports to digital highways.