Opinion | Far from a ‘debt trap’, China’s belt and road allows countries like Myanmar to leapfrog poverty

A plethora of articles have discussed the risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The discussion is often portrayed within a “winners versus losers” framework, focusing on the divisive nature of the project.

On Myanmar, for example, commentary has become increasingly vitriolic about security and sovereignty threats. This is evident in the concerns raised by the recently announced China-Myanmar economic corridor.

Criticism includes claims that China is deliberately destabilising the northern parts of the country marred by civil unrest. More cynically, some say Beijing is manipulating the Rohingya crisis to secure the Kyauk Phyu special economic zone precinct. Similar comments have been made about North Korea, with claims that China is trying to derail any progress in talks there; but these claims unravel when evidence is sought.