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China Intelligence Brief (April-May 2018)

The China Intelligence Briefs are the start of a global initiative to provide context and recommendations to businesses, non-profit organizations, and policy makers who are looking for specific examples of opportunity or disruption from global events. While analyzing the macro problems we often identify specific issues that affect our clients and readers. Identifying both opportunities & challenges allow us to better identify solutions at home and abroad for a wide range of disciplines. In addition to the China Intelligence Briefs, we maintain detailed notes from interviews, overseas trips & business missions, conferences, conventions, and private events. We provide access to these notes and other analytical products for clients and paid subscribers.

China Nepal Cooperation on Railway as a part of One Belt One Road

From June 19th to the 24th, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang during Oli’s visit in Beijing to discuss Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). Both sides expressed a willingness to work together to build a railway network across the Himalayan Mountains and increase economic ties through BRI (previously known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative) transportation and communication projects.

Myanmar Could Fall Victim to Large Debt to China

On May 25, concerns over the price tag attached to a Myanmar port construction (China’s CITIC Group won the rights 3 years ago) arose as experts questioned why the project would cost so much. In addition, the less than flattering reports of China’s motivation behind the $7.5 billion deep-sea port in Kyaukpyu are being questioned by critics of the One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) also known as the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). – Dillon Billingham

Chinese Enterprises Expand Oversea by Buying Utilities

As of May 30, Chinese construction firm, Gezhouba Group, acquired Brazilian water supply company Sistema Productor São Lourenço as part of the expansive the Belt and Road Initiative. The project is expected to help alleviate water shortage problems in Sao Paulo. Some experts are concerned that China is trying to expand its renewable energy influence in international markets by buying up foreign utility firms. – Ziqing Zhang

Malaysian election possibly thwarts China’s One Belt One Road progress

As of May 29, following criticism over the recent years that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration had allowed Beijing too much influence in agreeing to China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Mahathir Mohamad of Pakatan Harapan, an opposition party, won the early May election in a huge upset. – Adriana Ray

China’s Belt and Road Initiative Strategic Goals/Implications

China recently announced plans to build up ports in Vanuatu, a small south Pacific Island nation off the Northeast Coast of Australia that could lead to significant duel use by Chinese merchant ships and naval vessels. Additionally, investments into Brunei, Pakistan, and Djibouti ports signify Beijing’s determination to move China’s largest infrastructure plan forward resulting in significant strategic benefits when implemented. – Adriana Ray

Chinese One Belt One Road Investment in Pakistan’s Gwadar

International excitement due to China’s One Belt One Road (BRI) Initiative has made recent strides in port city Gwadar, Pakistan, a country Beijing plans on investing $57 billion into. Construction plans include improving the deep-water port for both trading and military use, the addition of a luxury golf resort, and an airport to rival the Islamabad International Airport just finished by a Chinese company in Islamabad. – Adriana Ray