In recent years, China’s lending has slowed down. Does this mean that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is on a downward trend? BRI Monitor partners are among the experts that agree: although China may be re-evaluating some of its priorities, the BRI is here to stay and remains essential to China’s foreign policy. Its original intent was to meet China’s demands for energy and minerals and to offload its industrial overcapacity. The BRI’s new iteration appears to move away from infrastructure projects and focus more on deepening trade relations for long-lasting economic engagement with other countries. Meanwhile, China continues to hold significant percentages of national debt in the developing world, with 37% of that debt born by low-income countries in 2022. In addition, China is currently involved in loan restructuring discussions with Sri Lanka, Zambia, and others.
BRI Monitor partners will continue their work to promote transparency and accountability around these agreements and other forms of foreign investment, with additional case studies and analyses regarding potential implications for public finance and financial exposure to host governments. This will include recommendations on how countries can attract constructive capital. Watch for reports soon from Cambodia, the Philippines, and Latin America. What topics are you interested in? Please email your ideas and requests. They may inspire future projects and discussion. Learn more about our work at brimonitor.org.
News & Resources
BRI Monitor Colleagues Are Cited in Media Reports on Chinese Lending
A new Vice article probes the complex arrangements around Chinese investment in nickel mining in Indonesia and concerns of adherence to local laws and environmental protections. The report cites published research and analysis by Paramadina Public Policy Institute.
Improving Tracking Mechanisms and Methodology to Keep You Informed
BRI Monitor partners are conducting stakeholder interviews to assess the adaptability of their transparency methodologyand website heat mapping for Chinese-funded digital infrastructure projects, following the wide use of their research on other types of deals.
Partner Insights: Malaysia’s Future
Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), is featured in a new Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) podcast. She discusses the formation and prospects of the new government in Malaysia.
BRI Monitor Partner Spotlight
Paul Barker leads the Institute of National Affairs, an independent policy think tank based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. His organization addresses a wide range of economic and social issues affecting the country. Previously Barker worked at the Prime Minister’s Department and served as an advisor to the European Delegation in the Solomon Islands. Watch this video to learn more about INA and its tracking of Chinese-funded projects in PNG and other topics. Click here to view specific case studies.
