Beyond the 2021 numbers: an evolving Belt and Road

A look at some of the nuances of 2021 Belt and Road investment and construction deals data

Europe’s Global Gateway: To Where?

EU initiative needs a strong narrative if it is to compete with BRI’s influence

Roundtable: Will the G7’s B3W Initiative change the game of global infrastructure development?

We surveyed our network of contributors on whether the G7’s counter-offer to the BRI represents anything new

How China sees the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in the (post) Covid era

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a busy start to the year 2021. His itinerary may tell us how the BRI is being adjusted for new global realities

Debt repayment issues in highly-indebted BRI countries: risks and opportunities in the new year

For at least 10 BRI countries, debt service to China is going to become a major fiscal burden in the coming years. Dr. Christoph Nedopil and Mengdi Yue argue that China needs to make debt relief multipateral, fair and green to be a global standard setter.

What we know about China’s approach to debt relief: Insights from two decades of China-Africa debt restructuring

History shows that China’s approach to debt relief is ad hoc, and asset seizure is highly unlikely.

How will China handle multiple debt repayment crises?

Domestic commentators provide insight into Chinese thinking on the thorny issue

Losing Steam: China’s Overseas Development Finance in Global Energy

Overseas energy finance from China’s policy banks has been declining since 2017 due to a combination of demand and supply constraints. A rebound in 2020 is unlikely.

Railpolitik: the strengths and pitfalls of Chinese-financed African Railways

Ethiopia is tapping into both Chinese and Turkish financing for its railway ambitions. The difference illuminates the pros and cons of China’s model of overseas infrastructure development.