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Belt and Road Initiative

Belt and Road Initiative
The initiative spearheaded by the Chinese government and endorsed by President Xi Jinping in late 2013 aims to improve trade and economic integration across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
last updated:
16 October, 2024
USAID’s shutdown may put more attention on China’s programmes in the developing world, according to some Chinese officials. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Could USAID’s closure open the door for Chinese soft power in the Global South?

Chinese officials say the American agency’s demise leaves more room for China to have an impact.

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The Philippines

Opinion | Can the US keep the upper hand over China in the Philippines?

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US-China relations

Explainer | Donald Trump says China runs the Panama Canal. Is he right?

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China-Africa relations

China and the chocolate factory: Ivory Coast investment helps secure cocoa beans

If tonnes of beans go to China instead of Europe or US, chocolate makers in those regions will feel the loss, expert says.

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China is investing in cocoa bean processing factories in Ivory Coast and Ghana, which control 60-70 per cent of the world’s cocoa bean production. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

A man, a plan, a ban? Trump’s Panama tensions augur risk for Chinese investments

US claims of Chinese influence in Panama Canal may not affect operations, analysts said, but Beijing’s investments in the region could be a target.

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Donald Trump

What would the closure of USAID mean for Asia?

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US-China trade war

China sends trade mission to Central Asia as it braces for US tariff war

The delegation of Chinese oil and gas executives set off hours after Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on US energy imports.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sign an agreement to deepen cooperation in a slew of fields in 2024. China has been building ties with emerging markets amid growing tensions with the West in recent years. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Why US cuts to African aid may not be an easy win for China

Donald Trump’s spending freeze may look like an open goal, but Beijing could still struggle to take advantage of the situation.

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Asean

Opinion | Closing USAID will leave Southeast Asia and US objectives worse off

The Trump administration’s ‘America first’ focus lets China fill the vacuum in Southeast Asia and set the rules for engagement in the region.

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North Korea

Asian Angle | North Korean soldiers: the future protectors of China’s belt and road?

Forget tired caricatures of malnourished North Koreans distracted by online porn. In Kursk, they’ve proved to be deadly and disturbingly effective.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects soldiers during a military anniversary event in Pyongyang in 2022. Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP
US-China relations

Why Panama’s belt and road exit is just the start of Trump’s ‘weak link’ plan

Instead of direct confrontation, the US may target frameworks involving China, such as Brics, to preserve its global power, say analysts.

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On February 2, protests in Panama City preceded US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit. Days later, President José Raúl Mulino said Panama was withdrawing from China’s belt and road programme. Photo: AP
Diplomacy

Panama pulls out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Panamanian leader questions intentions of those who signed the 2017 deal and addresses concerns about Beijing’s investment in the Panama Canal  

Diplomacy

Panama formally exits China’s Belt and Road Initiative as US claims ‘victory’

Panamanian leader questions intention of those who signed 2017 deal and addresses concerns about Beijing’s investment in Panama Canal.

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Thailand

Thailand approves China rail link plan in boost to bilateral ties

Thai cabinet has given green light to US$10.2 billion project, with construction set to be completed by 2030.

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Construction work under way on the first phase of the high-speed railway project in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province in March 2023. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

‘Game changer’: why Chinese rail contractors have East Africa in their sights

Business case is stacking up for the export-driven railway network that China’s companies are building with African finance.

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Chinese contractors are increasingly bidding for and winning rail projects in East Africa that are not funded by China’s banks. Photo: CGTN
Robotics: Industry Trends

Belt and robot: China’s robotics industry is moving into Central Asia

Shanghai-based start-up AgiBot will partner with Kazakhstan to open the first Chinese robotics manufacturing and research facilities in Central Asia.

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US-China relations

China’s belt and road could fill gap after Trump’s USAID freeze: analysts

With the future of the US development agency in doubt, China could step in to continue funding infrastructure projects for countries in need.

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United States

China criticises US tariff, Panama Canal and AI policies

China’s envoy says China and US should work together to resolve global conflicts  

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Pakistan

China-Pakistan ties: presidents to focus on terrorism and economy

Asif Ali Zardari will arrive in China on Tuesday and is expected to discuss with Xi Jinping safeguarding China’s presence in the region.

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US-China relations

China’s ambassador to Panama slams US for ‘tropical storm’ with Rubio visit

Criticism follows Panamanian leader saying belt and road MOU won’t be renewed and US secretary of state urging distance from Beijing.

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Gold in Hong Kong

‘Gold corridor’: Hong Kong bullion exchange’s head envisions hub role

HKGX chairman forecasts rising gold prices and trading volume in the Year of the Snake.

Gold bricks are displayed at the Year of the Snake opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange in Sheung Wan on February 3, 2025. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong society

Opinion | How Hong Kong can become a top destination for international students

To become a world-class education hub, Hong Kong must ensure its DSE exam is globally accessible.

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Visitors take pictures at the University of Hong Kong campus, on January 25. Photo: Elson Li
Pakistan

China urged to play ‘leading role’ in fighting terrorism in Pakistan

Report calls for better intelligence cooperation after repeated attacks on Chinese citizens, mainly in the province of Balochistan.

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Thailand

Thailand’s fast train to China runs 9 years behind schedule

By 2030, the US$13 billion Thai network is expected to connect to the Laos-China high-speed railway via a bridge over the Mekong River.

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Hong Kong

Letters | Can Hong Kong safeguard its Belt and Road Initiative investments?

Readers discuss the city’s ties to Xinjiang, and the benefits of young people working abroad.

A gardener waters the grass near the logo for the Belt and Road Forum at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, on October 16, 2023. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Opinion | Will Trump succeed in containing China – or fuel its rise?

Years of sanctions and blacklists have only forced China to adapt and even thrive, from making tech breakthroughs to expanding diplomatic clout.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Pakistan

Exclusive | Pakistan to tap China’s capital markets with yuan-denominated panda bonds

Muhammad Aurangzeb also pledges more cooperation with Beijing on key economic strategy to boost bilateral trade, investments.

China-Russia relations

How Western sanctions are driving a surge in China-Russia trade

Trade between the two powers continued to grow across a range of categories in 2024, but may face greater headwinds this year.

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