Digitalization and Dependence: Evaluating the Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 and Shaping Digital Autonomy

This study explores the impact of China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) on the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 in participating developing countries, with a particular focus on the moderating role of digitalization and its long-term effect on the reliance of these countries on Chinese digitalization. Rigorous statistical methods, including parallel trend tests, regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM), and placebo tests, ensure the reliability of the results. The findings indicate that after implementation, the BRI significantly advanced sustainable development goals in participating countries. Countries with higher levels of digitalization utilized the BRI more effectively to promote sustainable development. Further research suggests that while the initiative may increase digital dependence, higher levels of digitalization can mitigate this reliance. This study highlights the positive impact of the BRI on sustainable development, especially in digitally advanced developing countries, and offers a new perspective on reducing dependence on China.