Figure 1
The network diagram displays two shaded sections. The left side represents “Sub-Saharan African countries,” and the right side represents “China.” On the “Sub-Saharan African countries” side, four circles are labeled “Local Chinese embassies” on the top, “Africa contracting authorities, state institutions” on the left, “Chinese dealers and traders” on the bottom left, and “Local branches of Chinese SOEs” on the bottom right. On the “China” side, four circles are labeled “Chinese central and provincial governments” on the top, “Chinese state banks (for example, Exim Bank)” on the right, “Chinese suppliers and sub-contractors” on the bottom right, and “Chinese SOEs (HQ), general contractors” on the left. Solid lines connect these circles. “Local Chinese embassies” is connected to “African contracting authorities, state institutions,” “Local branches of Chinese SOEs,” “Chinese SOEs (HQ), general contractors,” “Chinese suppliers and sub-contractors,” and “Chinese central and provincial governments.” “Africa contracting authorities, state institutions” is connected to “Local branches of Chinese SOEs,” “Chinese SOEs (HQ), general contractors,” and “Chinese central and provincial governments.” “Chinese dealers and traders” is connected to “Local branches of Chinese SOEs.” “Local branches of Chinese SOEs” is connected to “Chinese SOEs (HQ), general contractors,” and “Chinese suppliers and sub-contractors.” “Chinese SOEs (HQ), general contractors” is connected to “Chinese central and provincial governments,” “Chinese state banks (for example, Exim Bank),” and “Chinese suppliers and sub-contractors.” “Chinese central and provincial governments” is connected to “Chinese state banks (example, Exim Bank).”Network in BRI infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan African countries. Note: Displayed are only the strongest and most direct relationships within BRI-related infrastructure projects. Source: Authors’ own work