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

Resentment over Land Payments, Jobs Shadow Kenya’s Year-Old Railway

The government promised jobs for locals and compensation for landowners along the route of its new train. With Chinese builders blasting away, some Kenyans are still waiting.

By Betty Ayoub | VOA News

South Asia

China to Fund Modern Facilities at Pakistan-Afghan Border

China plans to fund and install modern reception centers, drinking water and cold storage facilities at main entry points on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

By Ayaz Gul | VOA News

Eurasia

Far in the desert, China opens a new gateway to the West

The largest special economic zone in the former Soviet Union is emerging on the Kazakh-Chinese border — marred by protests, delays and corruption allegations.

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

East Asia

Caution, Cancellations, Protests as Concerns Grow on China's Belt and Road

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)
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 Grupo ADN Cuba | 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