The Belt and Road Initiative is one of the largest infrastructure developments of the 21^st century. And its intended to be a long-term project by the Chinese government.  The Covid crisis came very early on. Of course it is about securing Chinese influence, securing Chinese trade routes, securing Chinese soft power. So it is a major attempt to spread Chinese economic power.

Such large infrastructure projects are largely funded by debt. And this debt has to be paid off.  The Covid-19 crisis will mount up debts in lots of other areas.

More insights from Peter Buckley about the BRI can soon be found here: Journal of International Business Policy

Podcast as Audio File