Over the past decade, there has been growing controversy over the social and environmental impacts of Chinese investments in host countries, particularly in ‘weak governance zones’ (a term used by the OECD to describe ‘countries where governments are unwilling or unable to assume their responsibilities’). As China’s ‘Going Out’ strategy enters a new phase under Xi Jinping’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, the conduct of Chinese state-owned and private companies investing along the Belt and Road are likely to be subject to increasing international scrutiny. As the OBOR also reflects a ‘soft power’ geopolitical strategy for China to expand her role in regional and global affairs, there may be certain expectations among the international community that the Chinese government should ensure, to some extent, that its firms act as ‘good corporate citizens’ abroad. Prof Zou will examine the question of whether China’s public and private actors may implement the OBOR initiative in a sustainable and socially responsible manner or export poor environmental and labour standards in a ‘race to the bottom’.