Hitting China's great wall
Sri Lanka has presented some unlikely roadblocks to China's Silk Road project
The city of Hambantota in Sri Lanka could present an unlikely obstacle in the way of the otherwise relentless progress of China's giant Belt and Road project—part of the country's modern Silk Road initiative. This already encompasses many energy-based and other infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region. In a direct affront to Beijing's long-term strategy, India has assumed the operation of a Chinese-built airport near the town that was intended to be part of a Belt and Road complex linked with an adjacent seaport. This is also Chinese-built and near one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Just as surprisingly, in October the Sri Lankan government rejected China's offer to build a
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
