Power Play

China's Belt and Road Initiative is shifting gears

The BRI faces economic headwinds, including competition from the new US-led PGII. But Beijing is adapting to past criticism and new challenges.

The Belt and Road Initiative aimed to link China to the rest of the world through a network of ports, roads and railways. PHOTO: AFP
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China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seems to be in trouble.

As the impact from Covid-19 restrictions throttles the Chinese economy, Beijing's ability to finance its infrastructure-led initiative is being crimped.

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