Chinaâs âDebt-Trap diplomacyâ Unveiled: Part 5/6]
Effects of the One Belt and One Road initiative:
(5) social risks
The economic zones in Pakistan are only reserved for Chinese companies only.
Chinese workers are usually employed in China-funded infrastructure plans, so the local workers in the host countries have little benefit and are subject to unemployment.
(6) a loss of sovereignty over key assets
Some examples:
In Zambia, China takes over the country's international airport to settle a debt instalment
After the financial crisis in Greece, Chinese firms bought 51% of the port authority in Piraeus port in 2016
In 2017, Sri Lanka gave its strategic Hambantota port to China to operate for 99 years om order to pay off its debt
(to be continued)
Reference: âThe 'New Great Game': China's Debt-Trap Diplomacyâ, The European Foundation for South Asian Studies, October 2017
https://www.efsas.org/publications/study-papers/the-new-great-game-chinas-debt-trap-diplomacy;
âChina's Debt Diplomacyâ, Foreign Policy, 15 April 2019, https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/25/chinas-debt-diplomacy/
#beltandroad #debttrap
Effects of the One Belt and One Road initiative:
(5) social risks
The economic zones in Pakistan are only reserved for Chinese companies only.
Chinese workers are usually employed in China-funded infrastructure plans, so the local workers in the host countries have little benefit and are subject to unemployment.
(6) a loss of sovereignty over key assets
Some examples:
In Zambia, China takes over the country's international airport to settle a debt instalment
After the financial crisis in Greece, Chinese firms bought 51% of the port authority in Piraeus port in 2016
In 2017, Sri Lanka gave its strategic Hambantota port to China to operate for 99 years om order to pay off its debt
(to be continued)
Reference: âThe 'New Great Game': China's Debt-Trap Diplomacyâ, The European Foundation for South Asian Studies, October 2017
https://www.efsas.org/publications/study-papers/the-new-great-game-chinas-debt-trap-diplomacy;
âChina's Debt Diplomacyâ, Foreign Policy, 15 April 2019, https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/25/chinas-debt-diplomacy/
#beltandroad #debttrap
www.efsas.org
The 'New Great Game': China's Debt-Trap Diplomacy
[Chinaâs âDebt-Trap diplomacyâ Unveiled: Part 6/6]
The Risks of Chinaâs âDebt-Trap diplomacyâ:
- China gains leverage economic, political and military power
- Total Chinese monopoly
As John Pomfret writes on Washington Post, âthe Chinese have called their system 'socialism with Chinese characteristics.' Perhaps 'imperialism with Chinese characteristics makes more sense.â
Reference: John Pomfret, âChinaâs Debt Traps Around the World Are a Trademark of Its Imperialist Intentionsâ. Washington Post, August 27, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/08/27/chinas-debt-traps-around-the-world-are-a-trademark-of-its-imperialist-ambitions/?utm_term=.0d474e84218c
#beltandroad #debttrap
The Risks of Chinaâs âDebt-Trap diplomacyâ:
- China gains leverage economic, political and military power
- Total Chinese monopoly
As John Pomfret writes on Washington Post, âthe Chinese have called their system 'socialism with Chinese characteristics.' Perhaps 'imperialism with Chinese characteristics makes more sense.â
Reference: John Pomfret, âChinaâs Debt Traps Around the World Are a Trademark of Its Imperialist Intentionsâ. Washington Post, August 27, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/08/27/chinas-debt-traps-around-the-world-are-a-trademark-of-its-imperialist-ambitions/?utm_term=.0d474e84218c
#beltandroad #debttrap
Chinaâs âisland chainâ plan: These islands define Beijingâs growing ambitions
#Newspaper #China
In order to become a global superpower, China has shown the world its ambitions by a series of âfive island chainsâ plans, according to the analysis of the US Defence Intelligence Agency.
After achieving the âfirst island chainâ, which includes the claims on the East and South China Seas; and following a rough ânine-dash lineâ from Japan in the north, passing Taiwan and the Philippines down to Singapore and Malaysia, China is now preparing for its âsecond island chainâ. It is believed that the âthird, fourth, and fifth island chainsâ will be the next missions of China.
Beijing has been following the U.S.â logic of projecting power over a region by building island bases and extensive artificial island fortresses in the South China Sea. The danger brought by these island chains and expansions would be a dramatic shift in regional power dynamics for the Asia-Pacific region.
Some countries are more worried than others on this issue - Australia, Singapore, and Japan are all doubting whether they could rely on their treaties and relationships with the U.S., the UK and Europe in the face of aggressive expansion from China.
#Xi #ChinaThreat #BeltandRoad
Source: The Advertiser (Feb-2019)
https://bit.ly/30q4ggV
#Newspaper #China
In order to become a global superpower, China has shown the world its ambitions by a series of âfive island chainsâ plans, according to the analysis of the US Defence Intelligence Agency.
After achieving the âfirst island chainâ, which includes the claims on the East and South China Seas; and following a rough ânine-dash lineâ from Japan in the north, passing Taiwan and the Philippines down to Singapore and Malaysia, China is now preparing for its âsecond island chainâ. It is believed that the âthird, fourth, and fifth island chainsâ will be the next missions of China.
Beijing has been following the U.S.â logic of projecting power over a region by building island bases and extensive artificial island fortresses in the South China Sea. The danger brought by these island chains and expansions would be a dramatic shift in regional power dynamics for the Asia-Pacific region.
Some countries are more worried than others on this issue - Australia, Singapore, and Japan are all doubting whether they could rely on their treaties and relationships with the U.S., the UK and Europe in the face of aggressive expansion from China.
#Xi #ChinaThreat #BeltandRoad
Source: The Advertiser (Feb-2019)
https://bit.ly/30q4ggV
adelaidenow
Chinaâs secret island plans
<p>Beijing wants to be an international super power. To achieve this, it needs to carve out a vast swath of economic and military influence. And it has a plan.</p>
Xi Jinping Signs Order for Military Training: Armed Forces to Improve Exercises, Ensure They Can Win in Any Possible War
Chairman Xi, who is general secretary of CCP Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, signed the first 2020 order, that listed priorities in the training of the Peopleâs Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force.
All the priorities point towards enhancement of the troopsâ combat preparedness and making a close observation on adversariesâ moves, so to ensure victory in any possible war.
The order instructed armed forces to stick to Xiâs thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to uphold Xiâs military strategies in the new era. Specific instructions include further strengthening troopsâ combat training, thorough research on enemies, operational goals and combat environment, more training for joint operations, strengthening the participation of civilians, and injection of more scientific and technical factors.
The order demands that initiatives and training must be focused on elements that lead to victory.
#Xi #ChinaThreat #BeltandRoad
ECNS (03-Jan)
http://www.ecns.cn/m/news/politics/2020-01-03/detail-ifzsiwze9785147.shtml
Chairman Xi, who is general secretary of CCP Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, signed the first 2020 order, that listed priorities in the training of the Peopleâs Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force.
All the priorities point towards enhancement of the troopsâ combat preparedness and making a close observation on adversariesâ moves, so to ensure victory in any possible war.
The order instructed armed forces to stick to Xiâs thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to uphold Xiâs military strategies in the new era. Specific instructions include further strengthening troopsâ combat training, thorough research on enemies, operational goals and combat environment, more training for joint operations, strengthening the participation of civilians, and injection of more scientific and technical factors.
The order demands that initiatives and training must be focused on elements that lead to victory.
#Xi #ChinaThreat #BeltandRoad
ECNS (03-Jan)
http://www.ecns.cn/m/news/politics/2020-01-03/detail-ifzsiwze9785147.shtml
ECNS
Xi signs order for military training-Ecns.cn
#Newspaper
Canada needs to clarify foreign takeover rules amid heightened risk of state-led acquisitions, committee told
//potential takeovers by Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are particularly worrisome, as they could be used on behalf of the Communist Party of China to advance its foreign strategic interests.
//Ottawa has for years struggled to strike a balance between attracting foreign investment and fending off politically-motivated takeovers by foreign states. Those concerns reached new highs in 2013 when Ottawa threatened to reject â but ultimately approved â Chinaâs $15-billion purchase of oilsands giant Nexen. More recently, in 2018, the Liberal government rejected the takeover of Canadian construction firm Aecon by a Chinese SOE, citing national security risks.
//Burton on Monday reiterated concerns about Chinese-led takeovers in strategic assets like energy or telecommunications. Many investments made by Chinese firms are done purely out of strategic, rather than commercial interests, he said â like those being pursued under Chinaâs Belt and Road initiative.
//Those projects have increasingly come in the form of âdebt trap diplomacy,â Burton said, in which the Chinese government loans money to struggling states under harsh terms, as part of a long-term plan to take over the asset at a later date.
//In April, Industry Minister Navdeep Bains put forward policy changes allowing Ottawa to more closely scrutinize âinvestments of any value, controlling or non-controllingâ by foreign companies, particularly those involving public health or the supply of critical goods and services. He also removed thresholds for reviewing investments in any sector by state-owned or state-connected entities.
//tightening language around what constitutes a strategic interest could prove challenging, as it would force Ottawa to effectively choose essential versus non-essential industries.
Full article: Sherwood Park News, (8 Jun)
#Pandemic #Canada #ForeignTakeover #StateLedAcquisition #BeltAndRoad #NationalSecurity
Canada needs to clarify foreign takeover rules amid heightened risk of state-led acquisitions, committee told
//potential takeovers by Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are particularly worrisome, as they could be used on behalf of the Communist Party of China to advance its foreign strategic interests.
//Ottawa has for years struggled to strike a balance between attracting foreign investment and fending off politically-motivated takeovers by foreign states. Those concerns reached new highs in 2013 when Ottawa threatened to reject â but ultimately approved â Chinaâs $15-billion purchase of oilsands giant Nexen. More recently, in 2018, the Liberal government rejected the takeover of Canadian construction firm Aecon by a Chinese SOE, citing national security risks.
//Burton on Monday reiterated concerns about Chinese-led takeovers in strategic assets like energy or telecommunications. Many investments made by Chinese firms are done purely out of strategic, rather than commercial interests, he said â like those being pursued under Chinaâs Belt and Road initiative.
//Those projects have increasingly come in the form of âdebt trap diplomacy,â Burton said, in which the Chinese government loans money to struggling states under harsh terms, as part of a long-term plan to take over the asset at a later date.
//In April, Industry Minister Navdeep Bains put forward policy changes allowing Ottawa to more closely scrutinize âinvestments of any value, controlling or non-controllingâ by foreign companies, particularly those involving public health or the supply of critical goods and services. He also removed thresholds for reviewing investments in any sector by state-owned or state-connected entities.
//tightening language around what constitutes a strategic interest could prove challenging, as it would force Ottawa to effectively choose essential versus non-essential industries.
Full article: Sherwood Park News, (8 Jun)
#Pandemic #Canada #ForeignTakeover #StateLedAcquisition #BeltAndRoad #NationalSecurity
sherwoodparknews
Canada needs to clarify foreign takeover rules amid heightened risk of state-led acquisitions, committee told
Ottawa has for years struggled to strike a balance between attracting foreign investment and fending off politically-motivated takeovers by foreign states
#Newspaper
Myanmar calls out China for arming terror groups, asks world to help
//Myanmar, Chinaâs closest ally in southeast Asia, has pointed fingers at Beijing for arming insurgent groups with sophisticated weapons and sought international cooperation to suppress rebel groups... Myanmarâs Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said terrorist organisations active in Myanmar are backed by âstrong forcesâ
//the army chief was referring to Arakan Army (AA) and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), terrorist organisations active in the Rakhine State in western Myanmar that borders China.
//The Myanmarese ethnic rebel groups operating along the Chinese border mostly use Chinese weapons, prompting suspicions about Beijingâs role as part of an effort to keep Myanmar under control.
//Officials say Beijing has been desperate to push the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor that seeks to give China a strategic opening on to the Bay of Bengal and eastern part of Indian Ocean Region. There has also been some concern around the Chinese loans extended to execute these projects that led to worries that Myanmar shouldnât land in Chinaâs debt trap.
Full article: Hindustan Times, (02-Jul)
#Myanmar #China #TerrorGroups #Loan #MilitarySupport #BeltAndRoad
Myanmar calls out China for arming terror groups, asks world to help
//Myanmar, Chinaâs closest ally in southeast Asia, has pointed fingers at Beijing for arming insurgent groups with sophisticated weapons and sought international cooperation to suppress rebel groups... Myanmarâs Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said terrorist organisations active in Myanmar are backed by âstrong forcesâ
//the army chief was referring to Arakan Army (AA) and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), terrorist organisations active in the Rakhine State in western Myanmar that borders China.
//The Myanmarese ethnic rebel groups operating along the Chinese border mostly use Chinese weapons, prompting suspicions about Beijingâs role as part of an effort to keep Myanmar under control.
//Officials say Beijing has been desperate to push the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor that seeks to give China a strategic opening on to the Bay of Bengal and eastern part of Indian Ocean Region. There has also been some concern around the Chinese loans extended to execute these projects that led to worries that Myanmar shouldnât land in Chinaâs debt trap.
Full article: Hindustan Times, (02-Jul)
#Myanmar #China #TerrorGroups #Loan #MilitarySupport #BeltAndRoad
Hindustan Times
Thousands flee in expectation of Myanmar military operation
The exodus from more than 40 villages is continuing almost a week later, even though the order was revoked last Friday Rakhine stateâs security and border affairs minister.
China is paving its âbelt and roadâ to British Columbia
The âWorld Commodity Trade Centerâ, including four warehouses and two large exhibition halls, is a joint venture between a Chinese-sate sponsored company and a local development firm.
A trailblazing memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between the B.C. government and Guangdong province in 2016 precedes the project. Most Western Jurisdictions have been apprehensive of Xiâs aspirations of emboldening Chinaâs national and economic interests on a global scale, via the BRIâs foreign infrastructure investments and overseas financial, social and cultural programs.
Guo Taicheng, chairman of Shing Kee Godown Group and Canadianâs permanent resident, is leading this project. He is also executive vice-president of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, which is part of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (AFROC) of the CCPâs United Front.
Source: Tricity News #Aug17
https://www.tricitynews.com/china-is-paving-its-belt-and-road-to-british-columbia-1.24187665/
#Canada #China #BRI #CCP #BeltandRoad
The âWorld Commodity Trade Centerâ, including four warehouses and two large exhibition halls, is a joint venture between a Chinese-sate sponsored company and a local development firm.
A trailblazing memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between the B.C. government and Guangdong province in 2016 precedes the project. Most Western Jurisdictions have been apprehensive of Xiâs aspirations of emboldening Chinaâs national and economic interests on a global scale, via the BRIâs foreign infrastructure investments and overseas financial, social and cultural programs.
Guo Taicheng, chairman of Shing Kee Godown Group and Canadianâs permanent resident, is leading this project. He is also executive vice-president of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, which is part of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (AFROC) of the CCPâs United Front.
Source: Tricity News #Aug17
https://www.tricitynews.com/china-is-paving-its-belt-and-road-to-british-columbia-1.24187665/
#Canada #China #BRI #CCP #BeltandRoad
British Thinktank Urges UK to Focus on Indo-Pacific Region
An influential centre-right British thinktank recently published a report proposing the UK's strategic policies on the Indo-Pacific region focusing on military, financial and diplomatic resources on building up democratic power against China's growing impact on world order. The report also recommends the UK government to support Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The report was published by Policy Exchange's Indo-Pacific Commission, chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and endorsed by former Japanese Prime Minister ShinzoĚ Abe and current Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. With the publishing of this report expects closer collaboration between Britain and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Together, they make up nearly half of the global economic output and comprise of more than half of the world population.
The report points out the UK government should expand the deployment of Royal Navy assets, Royal Air Force aircraft and Army (including Special Forces) or Royal Marines personnel to achieve uninterrupted and year-round UK military presence in the Indo-Pacific Region on operational and training missions. The City of London would offer its financial muscle through an Indo-Pacific investment initiative to set up a clean alternative to the Chinese belt and road initiative. It is also suggested to create an Indo-Pacific multinational investment treaty to protect investors from Chinese discriminatory practices and allow investors to enter into arbitration under international law.
Source: Apple Daily #Nov25
https://bit.ly/2IDPJdm
#UK #IndoPacific #PolicyExchange #BeltAndRoad
An influential centre-right British thinktank recently published a report proposing the UK's strategic policies on the Indo-Pacific region focusing on military, financial and diplomatic resources on building up democratic power against China's growing impact on world order. The report also recommends the UK government to support Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The report was published by Policy Exchange's Indo-Pacific Commission, chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and endorsed by former Japanese Prime Minister ShinzoĚ Abe and current Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. With the publishing of this report expects closer collaboration between Britain and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Together, they make up nearly half of the global economic output and comprise of more than half of the world population.
The report points out the UK government should expand the deployment of Royal Navy assets, Royal Air Force aircraft and Army (including Special Forces) or Royal Marines personnel to achieve uninterrupted and year-round UK military presence in the Indo-Pacific Region on operational and training missions. The City of London would offer its financial muscle through an Indo-Pacific investment initiative to set up a clean alternative to the Chinese belt and road initiative. It is also suggested to create an Indo-Pacific multinational investment treaty to protect investors from Chinese discriminatory practices and allow investors to enter into arbitration under international law.
Source: Apple Daily #Nov25
https://bit.ly/2IDPJdm
#UK #IndoPacific #PolicyExchange #BeltAndRoad
Australian Economy Is Too Dependent on China and Needs Diversification, Says Senate Opposition Leader
Under Australia's new foreign relations law, which allows the federal government to veto pacts between states and overseas governments or institutions, it is expected that agreements on the âBelt and Roadâ (âB&Râ) initiative and Confucian Institutes between local governments and China will be voided. Penny Wong, leader of the opposition Labor Party in the Senate, said on 7 December that she hopes the federal and Victorian governments will have âsensible discussionsâ regarding the latterâs âB&Râ agreement. While stressing the need for a new economic strategy where Australia will work with other countries, Wong fell short of signalling a revocation of Victoriaâs âB&Râ agreement.
As Victoriaâs âB&Râ agreement with China faces the prospect of being suspended, Wong said in an interview with the ABC that she thinks the federal government âshould try to resolve this in a way that respects engagement with the state government and that recognises that China will observe how this is handled carefullyâ.
Adding that the Labor Party supports the Liberal government in opposing Victoriaâs âB&Râ initiative, Wong did not indicate specifically that the agreement will be unilaterally cancelled. Wong suggested that instead of considering how Australia can fix its relationship with China, it needs a strategy to diversify its economy and cooperate with other countries in the region given that it is now too reliant on China.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
#Australia #Victoria #China #OneBeltOneRoad #BeltAndRoad #PennyWong #Labor #Diplomacy #Economy #Trade
https://bit.ly/38ES1Sa
Under Australia's new foreign relations law, which allows the federal government to veto pacts between states and overseas governments or institutions, it is expected that agreements on the âBelt and Roadâ (âB&Râ) initiative and Confucian Institutes between local governments and China will be voided. Penny Wong, leader of the opposition Labor Party in the Senate, said on 7 December that she hopes the federal and Victorian governments will have âsensible discussionsâ regarding the latterâs âB&Râ agreement. While stressing the need for a new economic strategy where Australia will work with other countries, Wong fell short of signalling a revocation of Victoriaâs âB&Râ agreement.
As Victoriaâs âB&Râ agreement with China faces the prospect of being suspended, Wong said in an interview with the ABC that she thinks the federal government âshould try to resolve this in a way that respects engagement with the state government and that recognises that China will observe how this is handled carefullyâ.
Adding that the Labor Party supports the Liberal government in opposing Victoriaâs âB&Râ initiative, Wong did not indicate specifically that the agreement will be unilaterally cancelled. Wong suggested that instead of considering how Australia can fix its relationship with China, it needs a strategy to diversify its economy and cooperate with other countries in the region given that it is now too reliant on China.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
#Australia #Victoria #China #OneBeltOneRoad #BeltAndRoad #PennyWong #Labor #Diplomacy #Economy #Trade
https://bit.ly/38ES1Sa
China's New Belt and Road Has Less Concrete, More Blockchain
The Covid-19 pandemic hasnât been good for Chinaâs Belt and Road Initiative. the virus âseriously affectedâ one-fifth of the projects in the China-centered infrastructure drive, according to the Ministry of foreign Affairs. Djibouti, Laos, Maldives, Pakistan, and Zambia, among others, have asked China to renegotiate or forgive Belt and Road loans. Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka have already extracted concessions.
Source: Bloomberg #Mar24
#China #BeltandRoad #Djibouti #Laos #Maldives #Pakistan
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-24/china-s-new-belt-and-road-has-less-concrete-more-blockchain
The Covid-19 pandemic hasnât been good for Chinaâs Belt and Road Initiative. the virus âseriously affectedâ one-fifth of the projects in the China-centered infrastructure drive, according to the Ministry of foreign Affairs. Djibouti, Laos, Maldives, Pakistan, and Zambia, among others, have asked China to renegotiate or forgive Belt and Road loans. Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka have already extracted concessions.
Source: Bloomberg #Mar24
#China #BeltandRoad #Djibouti #Laos #Maldives #Pakistan
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-24/china-s-new-belt-and-road-has-less-concrete-more-blockchain
China indefinitely suspends Strategic Economic Dialogue, accuse Australia's âCold War mindsetâ for disrupting normal exchanges
China National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a statement on Thursday (5 May), saying that it has decided to suspend the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue indefinitely due to Australian government's measures to disrupt the normal exchanges and cooperation out of âCold War mindset and ideological discriminationâ. This is the first diplomatic mechanism that has been formally frozen since the relationship between the two countries deteriorated.
The relation between China and Australia continues to be tense, Australia has been criticizing China on human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang for many times. Last month the Australian Federal Government cancelled the âBelt and Roadâ agreements between Victoria state government and China. ABC quoted the analysis saying that it caused China's discontent.
âSome Australian Commonwealth government officials launched a series of measures to disrupt the normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia out of Cold War mindset and ideological discriminationâ, said NDRC in a statement. It declared that the decision is âbased on the current attitude of the Australian Commonwealth Government toward China-Australia cooperationâ, and decides to indefinitely suspend all activities under the framework of the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue.
Source: The Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/2SVdK4k
#China #Australia #Economic #Diplomatic #BeltAndRoad #Xinjiang #HongKong #HumanRights #ABC
China National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a statement on Thursday (5 May), saying that it has decided to suspend the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue indefinitely due to Australian government's measures to disrupt the normal exchanges and cooperation out of âCold War mindset and ideological discriminationâ. This is the first diplomatic mechanism that has been formally frozen since the relationship between the two countries deteriorated.
The relation between China and Australia continues to be tense, Australia has been criticizing China on human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang for many times. Last month the Australian Federal Government cancelled the âBelt and Roadâ agreements between Victoria state government and China. ABC quoted the analysis saying that it caused China's discontent.
âSome Australian Commonwealth government officials launched a series of measures to disrupt the normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia out of Cold War mindset and ideological discriminationâ, said NDRC in a statement. It declared that the decision is âbased on the current attitude of the Australian Commonwealth Government toward China-Australia cooperationâ, and decides to indefinitely suspend all activities under the framework of the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue.
Source: The Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/2SVdK4k
#China #Australia #Economic #Diplomatic #BeltAndRoad #Xinjiang #HongKong #HumanRights #ABC
The US supports Australia in repealing the âBelt and Roadâ agreement, saying Australia is the victim of Chinaâs coercive diplomacy
Australian federal government repealed âBelt and Roadâ memorandum and âframework agreementâ between the Victorian state government and China. The decision has caused China discontent and renewed tension between China and Australia. United Stated indicated their support to Australiaâs decision on Thursday (22 April), described Australia as a victim of Chinaâs coercive diplomacy, which borne tremendous toll.
On Wednesday (21 April), Australian Foreign Minister Payne used her powers conferred by Foreign Affairs (State and Territorial Arrangements) Act 2020 passed late last year, to cancel the âBelt and Roadâ memorandum and âframework agreementâ between Victorian state government and China. US Spokesperson of State Council Ned Price, when asked whether US will take a similar action, or has US spoken to Australia about the move during regular press conference, responded âthis is a decision made by the Australian Governmentâ. He continued by saying that US will continue to stand with the people of Australia for the brunt of the PRCâs coercive behavior. Price said that Australia government's cancellation of agreements with China, Iran and Syria demonstrated that Australia is focused on protecting its national interest from all international concerns.
Source: Stand News #Apr23
https://bit.ly/3v6gIRD
#US #Australia #BeltandRoad #Victim #China #Diplomacy
Australian federal government repealed âBelt and Roadâ memorandum and âframework agreementâ between the Victorian state government and China. The decision has caused China discontent and renewed tension between China and Australia. United Stated indicated their support to Australiaâs decision on Thursday (22 April), described Australia as a victim of Chinaâs coercive diplomacy, which borne tremendous toll.
On Wednesday (21 April), Australian Foreign Minister Payne used her powers conferred by Foreign Affairs (State and Territorial Arrangements) Act 2020 passed late last year, to cancel the âBelt and Roadâ memorandum and âframework agreementâ between Victorian state government and China. US Spokesperson of State Council Ned Price, when asked whether US will take a similar action, or has US spoken to Australia about the move during regular press conference, responded âthis is a decision made by the Australian Governmentâ. He continued by saying that US will continue to stand with the people of Australia for the brunt of the PRCâs coercive behavior. Price said that Australia government's cancellation of agreements with China, Iran and Syria demonstrated that Australia is focused on protecting its national interest from all international concerns.
Source: Stand News #Apr23
https://bit.ly/3v6gIRD
#US #Australia #BeltandRoad #Victim #China #Diplomacy
Taliban calls China its âmost important partnerâ, vows support for Belt and Road
The Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid has called China the groupâs âmost important partnerâ in an interview with the Italian newspaper la Repubblica. This was the first time a Taliban representative openly declares China to be its most significant ally.
In the interview, Mujahid said China is ready to invest in and rebuild Afghanistan and called it an âextraordinary opportunityâ. The spokesperson also said the Taliban is following the âBelt and Roadâ initiative closely. Noting Afghanistanâs rich copper reserves, he said the country will be modernized, âthanks to Chinaâ.
âChina is our pass to markets all over the world.â
Mujahidâs comments came before the Taliban announced a new government in Afghanistan. Previously named a contender for the head of the administration, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, chief of the Talibanâs political commission and leader of the groupâs recent delegation to Beijing, was appointed the acting first deputy prime minister.
Source: Stand News #Sep03
https://bit.ly/39e5tx9
#Taliban #China #Afghanistan #BeltAndRoad #Diplomacy
The Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid has called China the groupâs âmost important partnerâ in an interview with the Italian newspaper la Repubblica. This was the first time a Taliban representative openly declares China to be its most significant ally.
In the interview, Mujahid said China is ready to invest in and rebuild Afghanistan and called it an âextraordinary opportunityâ. The spokesperson also said the Taliban is following the âBelt and Roadâ initiative closely. Noting Afghanistanâs rich copper reserves, he said the country will be modernized, âthanks to Chinaâ.
âChina is our pass to markets all over the world.â
Mujahidâs comments came before the Taliban announced a new government in Afghanistan. Previously named a contender for the head of the administration, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, chief of the Talibanâs political commission and leader of the groupâs recent delegation to Beijing, was appointed the acting first deputy prime minister.
Source: Stand News #Sep03
https://bit.ly/39e5tx9
#Taliban #China #Afghanistan #BeltAndRoad #Diplomacy
Cambodia: Chinaâs âBelt and Roadâ Dam is a Rights Disaster
A large-scale, Chinese-financed hydroelectric dam in northeastern Cambodia, completed in 2018, has undermined the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Indigenous and ethnic minority people, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The Lower Sesan 2 dam, one of Asiaâs widest dams, flooded large areas upstream of the confluence of the Sesan and Srepok Rivers, two tributaries of the Mekong River.
Source: Human Rights Warch #Aug10
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/10/cambodia-chinas-belt-and-road-dam-rights-disaster
#China #BeltAndRoad #Sesan #Srepok #Mekong
A large-scale, Chinese-financed hydroelectric dam in northeastern Cambodia, completed in 2018, has undermined the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Indigenous and ethnic minority people, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The Lower Sesan 2 dam, one of Asiaâs widest dams, flooded large areas upstream of the confluence of the Sesan and Srepok Rivers, two tributaries of the Mekong River.
Source: Human Rights Warch #Aug10
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/10/cambodia-chinas-belt-and-road-dam-rights-disaster
#China #BeltAndRoad #Sesan #Srepok #Mekong
ADB: China Can Probably Stand On Its Own
In a sign of China's rising strength, the Asian Development Bank announced it may stop lending to the world's second largest economy.
The Asian Development Bank, the Manila-headquartered multilateral lender, may end loans to China in a move being characterized as more about the maturity of Chinaâs economyânow the worldâs second-largestâthan political posturing. In a recent interview, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said a reassessment of whether China still meets the development criteria for further loans could start as early as next year.
Some analysts say the move has a political dimension and is symbolic of the estrangement between China and the West as well as a tectonic shift in geopolitical alliances. In 2016 China created its own infrastructure bankâthe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bankâbut the US and Japan notably declined to join. At just under 7%, Russia is the third-largest contributor to the AIIBâs coffers, after China and India, according to the AIIBâs website.
Although the AIIBâs role in has been described as complementary to ADBâs, the fact that it is offering financial assistance to other countries calls into question Chinaâs need for further aid. When development loans are monopolized by economic superpowers, it promotes economic imbalances that hold countries back, says David Baxter, a sustainable development consultant.
âIt is important that aid loans go to countries that really need it,â he says. âChina does not.â
source: Global Finance #Sep15
https://www.gfmag.com/magazine/september-2022/china-asia-development-bank-loans-end
#Sept1 #ChinaEconomy #BeltAndRoad
In a sign of China's rising strength, the Asian Development Bank announced it may stop lending to the world's second largest economy.
The Asian Development Bank, the Manila-headquartered multilateral lender, may end loans to China in a move being characterized as more about the maturity of Chinaâs economyânow the worldâs second-largestâthan political posturing. In a recent interview, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said a reassessment of whether China still meets the development criteria for further loans could start as early as next year.
Some analysts say the move has a political dimension and is symbolic of the estrangement between China and the West as well as a tectonic shift in geopolitical alliances. In 2016 China created its own infrastructure bankâthe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bankâbut the US and Japan notably declined to join. At just under 7%, Russia is the third-largest contributor to the AIIBâs coffers, after China and India, according to the AIIBâs website.
Although the AIIBâs role in has been described as complementary to ADBâs, the fact that it is offering financial assistance to other countries calls into question Chinaâs need for further aid. When development loans are monopolized by economic superpowers, it promotes economic imbalances that hold countries back, says David Baxter, a sustainable development consultant.
âIt is important that aid loans go to countries that really need it,â he says. âChina does not.â
source: Global Finance #Sep15
https://www.gfmag.com/magazine/september-2022/china-asia-development-bank-loans-end
#Sept1 #ChinaEconomy #BeltAndRoad
Global Finance
ADB: China Can Probably Stand On Its Own
In a sign of China's rising strength, the Asian Development Bank announced it may stop lending to the world's second largest economy.
Uganda suspended a "Belt and Road" essential constructions
#Reuter reported that #Uganda has suspended an essential construction under China's Belt-and-Road initiatives, spoken by a Uganda official.
Uganda originally planned to build a railway to #Kenya with China Harbour Enginering Company (#CHEC) in 2015. The project is expected to cost USD$2.2 million. Unlike other narrow track railway in Africa, this railway project complies to the international construction standard. However, Uganda didn't receive any fund from China under the Belt and Road policy.
Uganda was forced to stopped the plan with CHEC and is considering to continue the project with Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish company.
#Uganda #Kenya #China #BeltandRoad #CHEC
Source: Common #Jan15
http://cmmns.co/RApYN
#Reuter reported that #Uganda has suspended an essential construction under China's Belt-and-Road initiatives, spoken by a Uganda official.
Uganda originally planned to build a railway to #Kenya with China Harbour Enginering Company (#CHEC) in 2015. The project is expected to cost USD$2.2 million. Unlike other narrow track railway in Africa, this railway project complies to the international construction standard. However, Uganda didn't receive any fund from China under the Belt and Road policy.
Uganda was forced to stopped the plan with CHEC and is considering to continue the project with Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish company.
#Uganda #Kenya #China #BeltandRoad #CHEC
Source: Common #Jan15
http://cmmns.co/RApYN