How China Is Exploiting ‘Failed’ Projects In India’s Neighbourhood
It is a known fact that in the last few years, China has made major inroads in the South Asian region, especially through infrastructure and connectivity projects. This has intensified under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was started in 2013. The grand projects have helped China gain major strategic footholds in the region. Here are some key ports and airports in India’s neighbourhood that provide China with a strong vantage position in the region—both through land and ocean—and challenge New Delhi’s security position. Two Dead Projects In Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government had looked to Beijing for a loan to build its ambitious Hambantota port. China spent around $1.3 billion in total towards this. The China Export Import Bank extended the first half of the loan ($306 million) at the rate of 6.3%, while the second half ($757 million) was at 2%. The construction of the port began in 2007, and the first phase was completed in 2010. However, in 2012, only about 34 ships docked at Hambantota. As the port was …
