The work is part of a sprawling Chinese initiative to build a “new Silk Road'' of ports, railways and roads to expand trade in a vast arc of countries across Asia, Africa and Europe. Dubbed “One Belt, One Road'' after ancient trade routes through the Indian Ocean and Central Asia, the initiative is Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature project. In a possible effort to defuse unease, China has invited governments to a two-day forum starting Sunday and led by Xi. Leaders from 28 countries including Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to attend, but none from major Western countries. Pakistani officials say much of the Chinese money for power projects is investment, not loans but have given few details, raising questions about whether other projects can pay for themselves.

Source: Bangkok Post May 11, 2017 08:48 UTC