Tag "Chinese investment"
Transnational Transparency: Southeast Asian Think Tanks Collaborate for Belt and Road Accountability
The Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) development throughout Southeast Asia is expected to contribute significantly to the economic and infrastructural development of the region. However, a perceived lack of transparency in China’s initiative compounds existing fears around rising debt and sovereignty over projects. Several Southeast Asian and Pacific think tanks have collaborated on a BRI monitor, aiming at evaluating levels of transparency and holding projects accountable. If successful, this could minimise issues of governance and implementation associated with the BRI to the benefit of recipient countries. Whether this success extends to other social and political issues associated with the initiative is unclear.
Chinese naval base in Cambodia
The undisclosed military pact between China and Cambodia constitutes another significant example of China pursuing dual-use infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific – while simultaneously denying the existence of such projects.
Chinese Activity in the Arctic
Growing US concerns over Chinese involvement in Arctic affairs have raised tensions between the two states. Although detrimental to mutual trust, it is unlikely that economic activity in the Arctic Circle will be disrupted in the near future as China currently seeks to avoid securitization of the region.
China’s new Silk Road or debt-trap diplomacy?
Italy’s decision to join China’s new Silk Road project last month has heightened Western nations’ concerns over Chinese expansionism.
Challenges lie ahead for the European Union’s lofty new Africa plan
The European Commission’s renewed efforts to increase investment in Africa may signal a new commitment to take their economic partnership to the next level. But can the EU achieve its trade ambitions while being pulled in so many different directions?
China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Regional Outlooks for 2018
Excerpts from our Belt and Road Initiative: Risk Insights report on the 2018 outlook for different regions receiving Chinese investment.
How (and why) Russia and China are supporting Syria’s devastated economy
Salvaging Syria’s economy aligns with China and Russia’s own interests. A guest post by Rasmus Jacobsen, co-founder of Atlas Assistance.
Is China Afghanistan’s new best friend?
China is already a major investor in Afghanistan. President Ghani’s first state visit was to Beijing. Will China step in to take the US’ place when the US-led coalition leaves? Newly-elected Afghan president
Al-Qaeda will reignite sectarian conflict in Sri Lanka
al-Qaeda’s spread into South Asia will encourage both significant ramp-up of security and possibly further marginalization of Muslim populations, leaving an already fragile society susceptible to sectarian divide and conflict. In early
