debt trap diplomacy

While FOCAC showcased ambitious plans for mutual economic growth, a more intricate dynamic lies beneath, reminiscent of an octopus’ embrace – tightening, entangling, and often constricting. 

Laos is disturbingly reliant on investment from China – and no one knows how much, and under what terms. 

China may require little from recipient countries on the front end. But choosing to engage with China is far from cost-free. 

African countries have the agency to use relations with China to their own advantage. Whether African leaders will use their power to benefit their people is another question.

Postulating a Chinese debt-trap scenario for Greenland runs counter to existing evidence, including Greenland’s trade interests, Denmark’s ongoing policies, and the growing role of the US.

The $5.9 billion railway, an impressive feat of Chinese engineering, is set to tie Laos ever closer to its northern neighbor.

While there's room for improvement, there is little evidence that the BRI is something to fear.

How ineffective foreign investment and corrupt state elites pose a threat to the sovereignty of Central Asia’s poorest nation.

The authors’ recent book, which includes a survey of opinion leaders from BRI stakeholder countries, debunks the “debt-trap diplomacy” thesis.

U.S. and Chinese attempts to shape Latin American governments’ lending options raise issues of sovereignty and choice.

The US has begun to copy questionable Chinese behaviors, from aggressive diplomatic criticism to forcing sell-offs and joint ventures.

Its economy battered by COVID-19, the nation's sovereign reserves have fallen to less than $1 billion, putting it on the brink of default.