It appears Covid-19 could spell the demise for China’s belt and Road initiative . Or is it just a quick stop to regain impetus (and find some more cash to splash overseas).
Pres. Xi Jin Ping’s signature policy seems to be in trouble. The Belt and Road initiative (BRI) activity index produced by Caixin shows a steep drop this year. Readout of China’s politburo meeting this week made no mention of the BRI for the first time since 2013, a sign its being deprioritised – at least while the pandemic shuts down developing economies.
Apparently, more than a few problems. So is this a quick break or leave the wreck by the side of the road?