FANG Yu, HE Bin, LIU Jing, SHI Kaixuan

Keywords： The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); Five Connectivity; City Corporation; Cooperation and Connectivity Level; Indicator System

Abstract：

This paper adopts the “Five Connectivity” framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), encompassing policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds, to develop an indicator system for evaluating the level of cooperation among BRI cities. It measures the cooperation and connectivity levels between domestic and international cities from both individual dimensions and a composite perspective. Furthermore, it employs a regression model to explore the local factors influencing international cities’ participation in BRI cooperation. By focusing on city cooperation networks, this paper evaluates and monitors the progress of BRI city partnerships, uncovers differences and dynamics across dimensions and regions, and aims to provide insights for cities worldwide to better engage in the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

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