The
Dragon’s Reach

Tracking China’s Economic Power Play

Illustration by Brian Williamson | VOA

The
Dragon’s Reach

Tracking China’s Economic Power Play

China is investing more than $1 trillion in roads, bridges, railways, ports, and power plants in more than 70 countries — a bold strategy to steer global commerce its way and reclaim its Silk Road heritage. This project examines how the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is transforming lives, reshaping landscapes and tilting the geopolitical balance.

Africa

Kenya Takes a Ride on Chinese Rail — With Billions in Debt Aboard

The country’s biggest public works project since colonial times is a $5 billion test of the Belt and Road Initiative’s pledge to be a ‘win-win’ for China and African partners.

By Sean Liu, Paul Ndiho and Betty Ayoub | VOA

Eurasia

In a desert far away, China opens a gateway on its new Silk Road

In a remote desert near the border between Kazakhstan and China, a massive dry port has been built to develop overland routes for Chinese exports to markets in Europe, Russia, and Central Asia.

By Ray Furlong and Roman Kupka | Current Time | RFE/RL

Southeast Asia

A Fast Track to Influence In Laos

The railway – which will eventually run from Kunming in southwestern China through Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia to Singapore – is a key component of China’s signature global infrastructure plan. (RFA)

Compensation for Lao Rail Project Finalized

Project owners must guarantee that living conditions for those displaced will be as good as, or better than, they were before the project began.

By Richard Finney | RFA
Central Government In Laos Takes Over Railway Compensation (RFA)
High-speed Rail Project Will Force Thousands of Families to Relocate (RFA)
Lao Villagers Barred From Asking Questions on Railway Project (RFA)

Latin America

China's Push into Cuba: Telcom, trade, solar, biotech

China is now Cuba’s biggest trading partner and has launched a major development at the Port of Mariel to nurture investment in biotech and other enterprises. Cubans say even more Chinese investment is needed, especially for Chinese tourism.

By | Martí Noticias

Middle East and North Africa

Sudan

Shrugging off debt, Sudan woos China investment beyond oil

China seeks to boost strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of agricultural and infrastructural investments.

By Abdul B. Awad and Osama A. Mohamed | Alhurra

Algeria

Algeria turns to Chinese construction to fill housing demand

Construction companies moved to secure major construction contracts in Algeria, overtaking France as Algeria’s largest source of expertise and imports.

By Ahmed Elhadidi and Abdullah Ibrahim Hamad | Alhurra

United Arab Emirates

Thousands of Chinese firms now populate Emirates

China seeks to integrate the UAE into China’s New Maritime Silk Road project to boost investment and create a new platform.

By Mostafa Soukal and Sahar Ismail | Alhurra