At the second Forum held in Kazakhstan after the one in Xi'an in 2023, China and the five countries in the region signed 58 trade agreements with investments of over $24 billion. Among the priorities are transport routes and energy, but also the processing of rare earths. On the political front, Xi Jinping gained support for his condemnation of all forms of ‘trade wars involving tariffs and sanctions’.
China has turned down requests for more investments in energy and infrastructure due to rising attacks and insecurity, uncertain about the fate of the current government. Some experts say money flows could resume after next year's parliamentary elections, but Pakistan's economy is still at risk of default and Beijing is reassessing the chances of long-term gains from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Beijing plans to build its second overseas base in the island nation after the one in Djibouti; this will enable it to expand its maritime capabilities and counter US hegemony. This has alarmed India, which fears Chinese intelligence collection. China’s move is helped by Sri Lanka’s huge debt.
In Šakhritus - in the border region between Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan - a large scientific station of Lanzhou University has been inaugurated for the study of the environment and climate in the countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. A hub of the wider LiDar network. Suspicions about the possible use of these facilities for espionage activities.
27% of the territory is now arid due to the worsening quality of the soil, with serious risks for food security. Sandstorms are also on the rise. At a recent forum held in Inner Mongolia, the president relaunched his commitment to the 'Great Green Wall' with the goal of increasing the forest area to 30%. A game that has repercussions outside China as well, intertwining with the Belt and Road Initiative.
A new highway "made in China" will cross the impassable Rikoti Valley in central Georgia. Beijing is taking a major role in the life of the country, traditionally divided between the influence of Moscow and Western countries.
Sri Lanka ignores US warnings and India's security concerns. China’s latest loan of almost US$ 400 million will fund the Colombo Port City project. China is a global leader in maritime trade.
Astana has extended the period of visa-free stay for Chinese citizens, Bishkek is preparing to do the same. On May 18 and 19, Xi Jinping will meet in Xi'an with the presidents of the former Soviet republics. Beijing points to the revitalization of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is in danger of stalling. But local activists protest repression in neighboring Xinjang, with which there are deep ties.
Considered the 'battery of South-East Asia', thanks to its dams it produces electricity for the whole region, but has a debt equal to its annual GDP, half of it contracted with China. The country is of great strategic importance, but cannot borrow externally.
Indonesians risk losing control of a Chinese-funded high-speed train on Java. Delays in construction have led to extra costs. Chinese lenders are asking for government guarantees. The Sri Lanka scenario is repeating itself. The Widodo administration wants interest rates halved. For critics, Japan’s proposal was preferable.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
