Fast train plans are a concern for Western nations worried about China’s growing influence in the region. There is something awfully permanent about a train line once it’s in.
between Jakarta and the Indonesian city of Bandung. The project has never gone smoothly. Now, not one, but two, world leaders have their eye on you.agreed the project would be “completed on schedule as a flagship project”.
The strategic appeal is obvious – a land connection would provide an alternative supply route to maritime transport. So far, the Laos link is the only element up and running – and contributing mightily to that country’s near-crippling debt burden. “You could imagine that Joko Widodo and Xi Jinping would like to be taking a ride on that train at that time. That would really be a statement,” said David Engel, head of the Indonesia program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.First though, the two nations will have to work out who will get the fast train over the line. Back in 2015, China swooped in and stole the project from Japan, which had invested in a feasibility study and assumed it would be Indonesia’s partner.
Some of the shine has definitely come off the BRI, but China still has runs on the board, says Susannah Paton, director of the South-east Asia program at the Lowy Institute. Other countries are clearly having second thoughts. In the Philippines, newly elected President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has torn up a $US5 billion agreement that would have seen China fund three major railway projects. Marcos cited Beijing’s “failure to act on the funding requests,” and ordered his transport ministry to either renegotiate the deal with Beijing or find another partner.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
These spooks picked Beijing’s world domination plan 40 years agoA secret briefing paper from 1980 forecast that China would break from the West soon after growing its economy and technological base.
Read more »
These diplomats picked Beijing’s world domination plan 40 years agoA secret briefing paper from 1980 forecast that China would break from the West soon after growing its economy and technological base.
Read more »
Adelaide Oval to reintroduce alcohol in cans under new licenceAdelaide Oval patrons will be served alcohol in cans after a new liquor licence is approved, to reduce the amount of litter the facility processes.
Read more »
Joe Manchin makes U-turn on tax and climate bill as US edges closer to recession – liveCongressional Republicans surprised and angered by West Virginia senator’s reversal – follow all the latest news
Read more »
At 39, Bree Hargrave will be riding against competitors half her age at the Commonwealth GamesAt an age where most elite athletes are well into retirement, South Australian track cyclist Bree Hargrave is fulfilling a lifelong dream: qualifying for this year's Commonwealth Games.
Read more »