The China-Southeast Asia Economic Corridor is an important component of the BRI and will link Yunnan Province to Singapore.
BRI and the ASEAN: Strengthening Connectivity in Southeast Asia
The Philippines, a new BRI destination: what consequence for the EU?
On November 20 and 21, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping made an official visit to Manila and met with his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte. Philippines are now officially part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
BRI and the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
China and Singapore upgraded their Free trade Agreement. This FTA now mentions the Belt and Road Initiative.
Both countries also agreed to further develop the International Land Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) or Chongqing Connectivity Initiative.
China ready to solve the so-called debt issue
At a forum organised by the IMF and the World Bank in Bali, Indonesia, China’s Vice Minister of Finance, Ms. Zou Jiayi, reassured the international community about China’s commitment to solve possible debt issues.
BRI brings light to poor regions
“Belt and Road Initiative” infrastructure development and construction projects have great impact in the poorest rural areas, according to AidData.
BRI projects in Malaysia, a fresh new start?
On 21 August 2018, the newly elected Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir announced the cancellation of three BRI projects in Malaysia, including the “East Coast Rail Link” (ECRL) and two pipelines. But Malaysia is still member of the BRI.
China and Japan together on the train to Bangkok!
In September 2018, a Sino-Japanese committee on public and private investment along the new Silk Roads might be held in Beijing.
Burma port of Kyaukpyu on track
China and Myanmar continue negotiating on the construction of Kyaukpyu Port in Rakhine State. Kyaukpyu is expected to become a major economic center on the Bay of Bengal through the construction of a deep-water port and the opening of a special economic zone.
The Silk roads become digital
In late February 2018, this program was further advanced with the creation of a Digital Belt and Road International Center of Excellence in Thailand. This center is the result of cooperation between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The BRI at the heart of a Malaysian political party’s program
Since 2009, China has become Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Under Xi Jinping’s presidency, Chinese investment in Malaysia has seen strong growth. While most investments have been concentrated in the infrastructure, transportation and real estate sectors, new, more diversified investments are expected.