On the 16th of October, the first Laos-China Railway passenger train departed from Kunming, headed for Vientiane.
The First Passenger Train between Kunming and Vientiane
Indonesia to (Partly) Finance Railway Project Overrun Costs
The Indonesian government will partly finance construction of the Jakarta-Bandung railway line, a major BRI project.
Societal and Environmental challenges caused by the BRI in Cambodia
Several BRI projects have been conducted in Cambodia, but the country still faces majors governance and environment issues.
Malaysia ECRL original alignment confirmed
In early April 2021, the Malaysian government announced the re-initiation of the original alignment of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
China’s BRI in some ASEAN countries (4/4): The Philippines’ BBB
Philippines’ “AmBisyon Natin 2040” and “Build! Build! Build!” can get accelerated in cooperation with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s BRI in some ASEAN countries (3/4):Wawasan Brunei 2035
Brunei is looking for increasing cooperation with China under the BRI to accelerate its own develoment strategy called Wawasan Brunei 2035.
Singapore’s role in the BRI: staying relevant
Singapore does not require external financing to develop its public infrastructure, but is still looking for taking part in the BRI.
China’s BRI in some ASEAN countries (2/4): Indonesia’s GMF
Under Widodo’s presidency, was implemented in Indonesia a national development strategy focusing on maritime affairs, the Global Maritime Fulcrum.
China’s BRI in some ASEAN countries (1/4): the CMEC
In spite of delays, the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) has become a core component of Myanmar’s national strategy.
China and national development strategies in ASEAN countries
Right after his African tour, in early January, Wang Yi flew to Southeast Asia to strengthen ties between China and four ASEAN countries.