Sunrise in Qatar, a Gulf state, where Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative is being actively realised. Photo: EPA
Opinion
Opinion
Oil is just the start of China’s belt and road interest in the Gulf
- Part of the reason for Beijing’s presence in the region is the pressing need to resolve its overcapacity problem, such as in the steel and concrete industries
- More than this, the belt and road strategy is also seeking to facilitate the flow of trade and investment with the Gulf, writes Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Sunrise in Qatar, a Gulf state, where Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative is being actively realised. Photo: EPA
Pumps dredge sand near to Colombo’s main seaport. China, India and Japan are all helping Sri Lanka to develop the port. Photo: AFP
Did Japan and India just launch a counter to China’s Belt and Road?
- India and Japan are to help Sri Lanka develop Colombo Port – prompting speculation of a challenge to Beijing’s signature infrastructure programme
- Is it just a case of two countries throwing their hat into the ring – or part of a deeper challenge to Chinese influence in the region?
Topic |
Belt and Road Initiative
Pumps dredge sand near to Colombo’s main seaport. China, India and Japan are all helping Sri Lanka to develop the port. Photo: AFP