China's Belt and Road Initiative turns 10 years old this year. Launched by Xi Jinping in 2013 as a way to "promote infrastructure construction and connectivity, align national policies and development strategies, deepen practical cooperation, promote coordinated and interconnected development, and achieve common prosperity,” many analysts think that the BRI is on the brink of collapse.
Plagued with allegations of creating debt traps, aiding corrupt governments, and causing ecological damage, there are many who are suspicious and disapproving of the new Silk Road. But China insists that its plans are for the good of the global economy, and is a crucial tool in fighting poverty.
Will the BRI be able to survive the post-pandemic global economic slowdown? Or is China's flagship globalist policy a vital lifeline for developing and emerging countries that have otherwise been overlooked by Western nations?
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Intro: 00:00
What is the Belt and Road?: 03:00
China's view on BRI: 06:22
World Bank analysis: 11:03
Western/anti-BRI views: 14:27
BRI in Tajikistan: 20:30
BRI in Nigeria: 22:25
Labour and security: 26:10
BRI in Vietnam: 26:45
BRI in Ghana: 28:16
BRI as a debt trap?: 30:15
BRI post-lockdown: 32:56
Outro: 36:46
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