China’s BRI offers lofty promises of “win-win” investments that have persuaded some 126 countries to sign on. But critics claim that it stokes corruption, harms the environment, creates financial dependencies, and extends Chinese military power. Writing for The Washington Post, Jonathan Hillman tackles five myths fueled by the BRI’s ambiguity.
Jonathan Hillman joins Jane Nakano and Nikos Tsafos for the CSIS Energy and National Security Program’s Energy 360° Podcast to look at the importance of energy projects in the BRI, changing expectations from BRI partners, and what defines a successful BRI project for China.
This episode of the ChinaPower’s podcast investigates the evolving political and economic circumstances surrounding Chinese telecommunications company Huawei and its attempts to integrate its technology in global markets. Dr. James Lewis explores the growing concerns within the U.S. and among many of its allies as well as Huawei’s relationship with the Chinese government.
Even as Huawei faces resistance in Western airwaves, it is racing ahead under the world’s seas in a commercial contest that could eventually provide China with strategic advantages.
The signing of an MoU during a March 22-24 by Chinese president Xi Jinping has made Italy the first G7 nation to join China’s sprawling Belt and Road Initiative, but Rome will be wise to devote sustained long-term resources to the negotiation, implementation, and follow-up of whatever comes out of these memoranda to avoid the mistakes of other BRI partners.