An estimated US$50 billion pledged by China for infrastructure in Southeast Asia has yet to manifest in completed projects according to a recent study, raising questions over the efficacy of the country’s Belt and Road Initiative.
After five years, China’s efforts to integrate its populous south under its Greater Bay Area blueprint appear to have borne fruit, with transport between regions already taking less time – and future construction aims to make those trips even faster and easier.
Following efforts to build infrastructure in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia that ended in disappointment, China’s fortunes seem to have changed thanks to popular – and expensive – clean energy projects.
A city in China’s northwest has been thrust into the spotlight for a light rail project that has seen delays, environmental criticism and cost overruns amid a campaign to curb excessive spending.