Switzerland has joined other European nations (1) in signing up for the BRI (2) and Britain has switched to a more positive stance on the initiative (3). Most of the Arab nations have joined (4) and Russia has approved an initial project (5). The US (6) and the EU (7) continue to warn allies against the project, promoting their own “fairer” and “more sustainable” policies.
India maintains its reluctance to join (8) while other projects in Thailand (9) and Kyrgyzstan (10) have been causing concern over the host nation’s ability to repay their debts. Malaysia seems to have struck a trade deal to offset the cost of projects with more imports to China (11).
The mystery surrounding the BRI has much to do with the vagueness of what exactly the initiative entails and which projects would fall under its umbrella. China is attempting to clarify the scope in response to global criticism, lack of transparency, and thereby strengthen its reputation in the international community (12).
References
Job done? Beijing forum closes with 37 names, US$64 billion in new deals
Switzerland to sign belt and road deal during Maurer’s China trip
All roads lead to China: 17 Arab countries join Beijing’s new Silk Road
Putin Rides to Xi's Rescue on Battered Silk Road as West Stews
US says it offers fairer deals than China’s belt and road ‘debt trap’
EU’s connectivity plan ‘more sustainable’ than Beijing’s belt and road
"Hope China Understands Our Viewpoint": India On Boycotting Belt And Road
If China funds Thailand’s high-speed rail, will the debt be too much?
China’s belt and road extends to Kyrgyzstan, but is it worth the debt?
Malaysia to ‘take advantage’ of rail link deal to sell China palm oil
China Moves to Define ‘Belt and Road’ Projects for First Time