ASP’s Esther Babson Quoted on China’s Foreign Investments
ASP’s Climate Security Program Manager Esther Babson was quoted in a U.S. News and World Report article published last week regarding China’s growing geopolitical influence from foreign direct investment projects in nations around the world.
U.S. News summarized how China gains influence through investment plans in other countries. China primarily focuses on implementing alternative energy projects within their partnership nations. This is otherwise known as “climate aid.” By using “debt-trap diplomacy,” China implements projects in host countries that are often unable to pay their dues. This leaves the host country in a vulnerable position. China gains control of the project and establishes a physical foothold in the host nation. The article cited several countries who have recently developed debt to China.
Babson was quoted discussing China’s investment projects:
“The developing of these relationships is another of these key strategic moves by China to be a part of nations’ planning and agendas and how they think about their futures, both economically and diplomatically.”
For more information, read the full article “China Projects Power Through ‘Climate Aid’” on U.S. News and World Report.
