The protracted trade war between China and the United States impacts geopolitics. It is important to contextualize it within the framework of China's economic development. The offshoring of production and the evolution of supply chains, driven by technological advances, have transformed China's relationship with the West from ally to competitor. The emergence of the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) in 2013, aimed at creating a global network of trade routes, has introduced new dynamics and challenges in global cooperation. In turn, the United States as a response, perhaps belatedly, proposes the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Economic Prosperity Partnership of the Americas (APEP). In this context, it is important to note the benefits of the BRI, but at the same time, understand the significant risks it faces, by including environmental and social concerns.