<p>In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara on Monday (Nov 27), marking a noteworthy development in Sri Lanka's foreign direct investment landscape.</p>

<p>"The Cabinet has granted its approval on Monday to allow China's Sinopec to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at Hambantota port," Wijesekara said.</p>

<p>The forthcoming petroleum refinery plant by Sinopec, which made its entry into the Sri Lankan market in July of the current year, is poised to become the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka, amounting to a substantial USD 4.5 billion.</p>

<p>The ambitious project is not just limited to refining,&nbsp;it also includes the establishment of an associated products training centre, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capacity building and skill development.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-hambantota-port-with-china-cant-be-used-for-war-sri-lankas-minister-nimal-siripala-de-silva-592152">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lankan minister Nimal Siripala de Silva</a></p>

<h2><strong>Strategic significance of Hambantota port</strong></h2>

<p>Hambantota, the second-largest port in Sri Lanka after Colombo, holds strategic importance.</p>

<p>Opened in 2010, the port has been jointly managed since 2017 through a partnership between the Sri Lanka Port Authority and China Merchant Ports, known as the Hambantota International Port Group.</p>

<p>The port's construction was initially funded through a commercial loan from the Exim Bank of China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-shin-yan-6-in-question-is-china-arm-twisting-sri-lanka-to-comply-with-its-demands-653135">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | Shin Yan 6 in question: Is China arm-twisting Sri Lanka to comply with its demands?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Continued Chinese investments in Sri Lanka</strong></h2>

<p>This significant investment by Sinopec follows earlier initiatives by China, including the state-run China Merchant Port Holdings' 99-year lease of Hambantota port in 2017.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's influence in Indian Ocean region a concern of India</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shi-yan-6-ship-bhutan-border-talks-chinas-influence-in-indian-ocean-region-a-concern-of-india-652171/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Additionally, a substantial million-dollar deal was struck for the construction of a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port, highlighting the continued economic collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port.

In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara on Monday (Nov 27), marking a noteworthy development in Sri Lanka's foreign direct investment landscape. "The Cabinet has granted its approval on Monday to allow China's Sinopec to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at Hambantota port," Wijesekara said. The forthcoming petroleum refinery plant by Sinopec, which made its entry into the Sri Lankan market in July of the current year, is poised to become the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka, amounting to a substantial USD 4.5 billion. The ambitious project is not just limited to refining, it also includes the establishment of an associated products training centre, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capacity building and skill development. Also read | Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lankan minister Nimal Siripala de Silva Strategic significance of Hambantota port Hambantota, the second-largest port in Sri Lanka after Colombo, holds strategic importance. Opened in 2010, the port has been jointly managed since 2017 through a partnership between the Sri Lanka Port Authority and China Merchant Ports, known as the Hambantota International Port Group. The port's construction was initially funded through a commercial loan from the Exim Bank of China. Also read | Data Lab | Shin Yan 6 in question: Is China arm-twisting Sri Lanka to comply with its demands? Continued Chinese investments in Sri Lanka This significant investment by Sinopec follows earlier initiatives by China, including the state-run China Merchant Port Holdings' 99-year lease of Hambantota port in 2017. Also watch | China's influence in Indian Ocean region a concern of India Additionally, a substantial million-dollar deal was struck for the construction of a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port, highlighting the continued economic collaboration between China and Sri Lanka. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Sinopec cleared to build $4.5 billion refinery at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port

<p>The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)&nbsp;by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>The announcement followed a recent collision between a Philippines boat and a Chinese coastguard vessel in the South China Sea. Furthermore, China's military alleged that a Philippines military ship entered waters near Scarborough Shoal without permission.</p>

<p>The Philippines' decision comes on the heels of the grand Belt and Road Initiative Summit in Beijing&nbsp;where &nbsp;President Xi &nbsp;welcomed leaders and delegates from over 140 nations to commemorate the project's decade-long journey.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-radio-broadcaster-shot-dead-inside-studio-president-orders-probe-655372">Philippines'</a> Department of Transportation has announced the "full termination" of several major infrastructure projects previously partnered with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, the Philippines is turning to Japanese and other Western counterparts, signalling the uphill battle that many of China's key investment initiatives face in the country due to a mix of economic and political factors.</p>

<p>This decision also accentuates the ongoing friction between the Philippines and China regarding their territorial disputes in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-philippines-vessels-collide-us-china-violated-international-law-650384">South China Sea</a>.</p>

<p>"Manila has to contend with serious public anger against China's claims over and capture of Philippines territory in the South China Sea. Its run-ins against Filipino vessels in these waters indicate a complete lack of respect for international law as well as of Filipino interests," Dr Jabin Jacob, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China is unambiguously playing the bully, attempting to coerce the Philippines into accepting Chinese power in the South China Sea. Under the circumstances, Manila, took a clear and decisive step of its own - one that is calculated to show up China's foreign policy in general and its pet project of the BRI, in particular," notes Dr Jacob.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaime Batista, the Philippine Transportation Secretary, announced the dropping of $4 billion in Chinese infrastructure projects, which involved two railway projects in Luzon and Mindanao.</p>

<p>"We have three projects that won't be funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-decries-bidens-vow-to-defend-philippines-if-its-attacked-651494">Chinese</a> government anymore. We can't wait forever, and it seems like China isn't that interested anymore," Batista said during a forum organised by European investors in Manila.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the latest data from the China Global Investment Tracker, China's participation in the BRI has seen investments well below its decade-long average of $94 billion since the beginning of 2020.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<h2><strong>Is China's BRI model exploitative?</strong></h2>

<p>A mere few weeks ago, Italy, the singular G7 member engaged in the BRI, declared its plan&nbsp;to discontinue its participation by the end of the year, citing unmet project expectations.</p>

<p>"Apart from a bilateral cost-benefit analysis - BRI projects often promise a great deal more than they actually deliver," says Dr Jacob.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by Bloomberg, the overall activity within the BRI has decreased significantly by 40 per cent from its peak in 2018, primarily due to economic troubles in China and the debt issues affecting participating nations.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p>A substantial number of those receiving financial support from China are also grappling with considerable debt burdens. One of the most prominent instances of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-shin-yan-6-in-question-is-china-arm-twisting-sri-lanka-to-comply-with-its-demands-653135">debt entanglement is Sri Lanka</a>, which finds itself ensnared in a relentless cycle of Chinese coercion.</p>

<p>"Countries like Italy and the Philippines are also reconsidering their association with Chinese projects from a wider geopolitical lens. Italy, for example, cannot ignore the wider European concerns about China's mercantilism, its interference and influence operations in the domestic politics of other countries and about Chinese technology," Dr Jacob adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch this report:</strong></p>

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The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping.

The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping. The announcement followed a recent collision between a Philippines boat and a Chinese coastguard vessel in the South China Sea. Furthermore, China's military alleged that a Philippines military ship entered waters near Scarborough Shoal without permission. The Philippines' decision comes on the heels of the grand Belt and Road Initiative Summit in Beijing where President Xi welcomed leaders and delegates from over 140 nations to commemorate the project's decade-long journey. The Philippines' Department of Transportation has announced the "full termination" of several major infrastructure projects previously partnered with China. Instead, the Philippines is turning to Japanese and other Western counterparts, signalling the uphill battle that many of China's key investment initiatives face in the country due to a mix of economic and political factors. This decision also accentuates the ongoing friction between the Philippines and China regarding their territorial disputes in the South China Sea. "Manila has to contend with serious public anger against China's claims over and capture of Philippines territory in the South China Sea. Its run-ins against Filipino vessels in these waters indicate a complete lack of respect for international law as well as of Filipino interests," Dr Jabin Jacob, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, told WION. "China is unambiguously playing the bully, attempting to coerce the Philippines into accepting Chinese power in the South China Sea. Under the circumstances, Manila, took a clear and decisive step of its own - one that is calculated to show up China's foreign policy in general and its pet project of the BRI, in particular," notes Dr Jacob. Jaime Batista, the Philippine Transportation Secretary, announced the dropping of $4 billion in Chinese infrastructure projects, which involved two railway projects in Luzon and Mindanao. "We have three projects that won't be funded by the Chinese government anymore. We can't wait forever, and it seems like China isn't that interested anymore," Batista said during a forum organised by European investors in Manila. Based on the latest data from the China Global Investment Tracker, China's participation in the BRI has seen investments well below its decade-long average of $94 billion since the beginning of 2020. × Is China's BRI model exploitative? A mere few weeks ago, Italy, the singular G7 member engaged in the BRI, declared its plan to discontinue its participation by the end of the year, citing unmet project expectations. "Apart from a bilateral cost-benefit analysis - BRI projects often promise a great deal more than they actually deliver," says Dr Jacob. According to a report by Bloomberg, the overall activity within the BRI has decreased significantly by 40 per cent from its peak in 2018, primarily due to economic troubles in China and the debt issues affecting participating nations. × A substantial number of those receiving financial support from China are also grappling with considerable debt burdens. One of the most prominent instances of this debt entanglement is Sri Lanka, which finds itself ensnared in a relentless cycle of Chinese coercion. "Countries like Italy and the Philippines are also reconsidering their association with Chinese projects from a wider geopolitical lens. Italy, for example, cannot ignore the wider European concerns about China's mercantilism, its interference and influence operations in the domestic politics of other countries and about Chinese technology," Dr Jacob adds. Also watch this report:

First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative?

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China for the Belt and Road Forum in October, Bloomberg reported while citing three people with knowledge of the matter. The visit would be Putin's first since an arrest warrant was issued against the Russian president for alleged war crimes, which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.</p>

<p>Preparations are now underway in Moscow for Putin's visit as Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Chinese leader Xi Jinping's invitation for the top flagship project of his presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Putin will not visit India for G-20 but will visit China for BRI forum?</b></h2>

<p>That's pretty much it. Vladimir Putin, in a telephonic conversation with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, cited his "busy schedule" and said that his main focus is still the "special military operation" in Ukraine for his inability to attend the G-20 summit in New Delhi in September.</p>

<p>Another facet of the discourse remains that New Delhi has vehemently opposed the G20 summit to emerge as a forum for focus on war in Ukraine, saying that it's a "geo-economic" platform and that the "(UN) Security Council" exists for conflict resolutions.</p>

<p>Putin in the New Delhi G-20 summit would have made him and by extension the war in Ukraine the top focus of a crucial multilateral meeting.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India</strong></p>

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<p>Secondly, Putin is reportedly willing to visit countries where his security service can completely guarantee his safety, and China is one of those places, according to two people cited by Bloomberg.</p>

<p>Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in July that Putin planned to visit China for the forum, while Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that China had invited the Russian leader as the "main guest" at the event, the state-run TASS news service reported in May.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-likely-to-visit-china-in-october-to-attend-bri-forum-615082">Vladimir Putin likely to visit China in October to attend BRI Summit</a></strong></p>

<p>In March 2023, The Hague-based International Criminal Court issued a warrant against Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Globally, a total of 123 nations are signatories to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court which makes them bound to act on the orders passed by the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China and India are not signatories to the Rome Statute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In last week's BRICS summit, Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Vladimir Putin. Pretoria is a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning that it was supposed to comply with the order to arrest Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has only visited neighbouring countries and Iran.</p>

<p>Putin last visited China right before the beginning of the war in Ukraine when he attended the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and held talks with Xi Jinping at which the two sides declared a "no limits" partnership.</p>

<p>Xi, however, travelled to Moscow for a state visit in March.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China for the Belt and Road Forum in October, Bloomberg reported while citing three people with knowledge of the matter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China for the Belt and Road Forum in October, Bloomberg reported while citing three people with knowledge of the matter. The visit would be Putin's first since an arrest warrant was issued against the Russian president for alleged war crimes, which the Kremlin has vehemently denied. Preparations are now underway in Moscow for Putin's visit as Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Chinese leader Xi Jinping's invitation for the top flagship project of his presidency. Putin will not visit India for G-20 but will visit China for BRI forum? That's pretty much it. Vladimir Putin, in a telephonic conversation with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, cited his "busy schedule" and said that his main focus is still the "special military operation" in Ukraine for his inability to attend the G-20 summit in New Delhi in September. Another facet of the discourse remains that New Delhi has vehemently opposed the G20 summit to emerge as a forum for focus on war in Ukraine, saying that it's a "geo-economic" platform and that the "(UN) Security Council" exists for conflict resolutions. Putin in the New Delhi G-20 summit would have made him and by extension the war in Ukraine the top focus of a crucial multilateral meeting. Also read | Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India × Secondly, Putin is reportedly willing to visit countries where his security service can completely guarantee his safety, and China is one of those places, according to two people cited by Bloomberg. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in July that Putin planned to visit China for the forum, while Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that China had invited the Russian leader as the "main guest" at the event, the state-run TASS news service reported in May. Also read | Vladimir Putin likely to visit China in October to attend BRI Summit In March 2023, The Hague-based International Criminal Court issued a warrant against Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Globally, a total of 123 nations are signatories to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court which makes them bound to act on the orders passed by the court. China and India are not signatories to the Rome Statute. In last week's BRICS summit, Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Vladimir Putin. Pretoria is a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning that it was supposed to comply with the order to arrest Putin. Since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has only visited neighbouring countries and Iran. Putin last visited China right before the beginning of the war in Ukraine when he attended the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and held talks with Xi Jinping at which the two sides declared a "no limits" partnership. Xi, however, travelled to Moscow for a state visit in March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum

<p>From 2008 to 2021, China spent around $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects, a study has revealed.</p>

<p>The report, published on Tuesday, was prepared by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, AidData and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.</p>

<p>The study notes that around 80 per cent of the bailout money was spent between 2016 to 2021, mainly in middle-income countries like Pakistan, Argentina, and Mongolia.</p>

<p>Argentina was the highest recipient with $111.8 billion, followed by Pakistan with $48.5 billion and Egypt with $15.6 billion. Nine countries received less than $1 billion.</p>

<p>It notes that China’s spending on Belt and Road infrastructure projects has tapered off since 2016 as many projects failed to yield rich dividends.</p>

<p>"Beijing is ultimately trying to rescue its own banks. That's why it has gotten into the risky business of international bailout lending," said Carmen Reinhart, a former World Bank chief economist and one of the study's authors, according to the Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>Their research found out that Chinese loans to debt-laden countries spiked to 60 per cent of its overseas lending portfolio in 2022 from less than 5 per cent in 2010.</p>

<h2><strong>Gravitas: China skips G20 meeting in Arunachal Pradesh</strong></h2>

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<p>Of the $240 billion bailout money, around $170 billion came from the People's Bank of China (PBOC) swap lines, including those in Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.</p>

<p>Moreover, Chinese state-owned banks doled out $70 billion in bridge loans or balance of payments support, and rollovers for both types of loans amounted to $140 billion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paranoid-kim-jong-un-orders-increase-in-production-of-weapons-grade-nuclear-materials-576427">Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials</a></p>

<p>The study criticised some central banks for potentially using the PBOC swap lines to “artificially pump up their foreign exchange reserve figures."</p>

<p>Brad Parks, one of the report's authors, and director of AidData, a research lab at William &amp; Mary College in the US, described China's rescue lending as "opaque and uncoordinated."</p>

<p>Their report further found out that China allocated one-fifth of its bailout money to middle-income countries because of the risk they pose to Chinese banks' balance sheets, while the low-income countries were given grace periods and maturity extensions.</p>

<p>China is currently negotiating debt restructurings with countries like Sri Lanka, Ghana and Zambia and has been facing criticism for holding up the processes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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From 2008 to 2021, China spent around $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects, a study has revealed.

From 2008 to 2021, China spent around $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects, a study has revealed. The report, published on Tuesday, was prepared by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, AidData and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The study notes that around 80 per cent of the bailout money was spent between 2016 to 2021, mainly in middle-income countries like Pakistan, Argentina, and Mongolia. Argentina was the highest recipient with $111.8 billion, followed by Pakistan with $48.5 billion and Egypt with $15.6 billion. Nine countries received less than $1 billion. It notes that China’s spending on Belt and Road infrastructure projects has tapered off since 2016 as many projects failed to yield rich dividends. "Beijing is ultimately trying to rescue its own banks. That's why it has gotten into the risky business of international bailout lending," said Carmen Reinhart, a former World Bank chief economist and one of the study's authors, according to the Reuters news agency. Their research found out that Chinese loans to debt-laden countries spiked to 60 per cent of its overseas lending portfolio in 2022 from less than 5 per cent in 2010. Gravitas: China skips G20 meeting in Arunachal Pradesh Of the $240 billion bailout money, around $170 billion came from the People's Bank of China (PBOC) swap lines, including those in Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Egypt. Moreover, Chinese state-owned banks doled out $70 billion in bridge loans or balance of payments support, and rollovers for both types of loans amounted to $140 billion. Also read | Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials The study criticised some central banks for potentially using the PBOC swap lines to “artificially pump up their foreign exchange reserve figures." Brad Parks, one of the report's authors, and director of AidData, a research lab at William & Mary College in the US, described China's rescue lending as "opaque and uncoordinated." Their report further found out that China allocated one-fifth of its bailout money to middle-income countries because of the risk they pose to Chinese banks' balance sheets, while the low-income countries were given grace periods and maturity extensions. China is currently negotiating debt restructurings with countries like Sri Lanka, Ghana and Zambia and has been facing criticism for holding up the processes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China spent $240 billion bailing out countries who have taken Belt and Road loans: Report

<p class="MsoNormal">Pakistan locals have taken to streets to protest against the immense shortage of water and electricity in the country. Locals claim this shortage poses a threat to their livelihood.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Protests erupted in the port city Gwadar where locals complained of facing shortage of water and electricity and alleged all resources are being used in China’s belt and road projects.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Several fishermen, local workers and residents blocked roads and raised slogans against the government in Gwadar. They were seen chanting anti-government slogans and burning tires while demanding the government to provide better electricity and water facilities in the coastal town.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/violence-against-women-in-pak-report-claims-70-drop-in-3-years-even-as-new-cases-emerge-407443" hreflang="en">Violence against women in Pak: Report claims 70% drop in 3 years even as new cases emerge</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">They also demanded the government to put a stop on the illegal fishing by Chinese nationals in the area. The locals alleged that Chinese residents have been fishing in the nearby waters and taking the caught fishes back to China to sell.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“It has been more than a month, we have been protesting and rallying against the Chinese trawlers, shortage of water and electricity. The government never paid heed to our demands, and we had to observe a complete shutdown strike and we were attacked by the district administration,” said Faiz Nigori, a local political worker.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, these protests were met with violent clashes from the local police who cracked down on the demonstrators, injuring at least two people.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This protest has come a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-embassy-in-pakistan-condemns-balochistan-attack-demand-thorough-investigation-407381">suicide bomber attacked Chinese nationals</a> who were driving along an expressway to the port. The bomber killed two children and injured one Chinese engineer, a senior Pakistani official confirmed to local media. “The suicide bomber was able to hit the last car of the convoy as it passed,” the official said.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The bomb attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) that accuses the Chinese government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources for its personal gains.<o:p></o:p></p>


Pakistan locals have taken to streets to protest against the immense shortage of water and electricity in the country. Locals claim this shortage poses a threat to their livelihood.

Pakistan locals have taken to streets to protest against the immense shortage of water and electricity in the country. Locals claim this shortage poses a threat to their livelihood. Protests erupted in the port city Gwadar where locals complained of facing shortage of water and electricity and alleged all resources are being used in China’s belt and road projects. Several fishermen, local workers and residents blocked roads and raised slogans against the government in Gwadar. They were seen chanting anti-government slogans and burning tires while demanding the government to provide better electricity and water facilities in the coastal town. Also read : Violence against women in Pak: Report claims 70% drop in 3 years even as new cases emerge They also demanded the government to put a stop on the illegal fishing by Chinese nationals in the area. The locals alleged that Chinese residents have been fishing in the nearby waters and taking the caught fishes back to China to sell. “It has been more than a month, we have been protesting and rallying against the Chinese trawlers, shortage of water and electricity. The government never paid heed to our demands, and we had to observe a complete shutdown strike and we were attacked by the district administration,” said Faiz Nigori, a local political worker. However, these protests were met with violent clashes from the local police who cracked down on the demonstrators, injuring at least two people. This protest has come a day after a suicide bomber attacked Chinese nationals who were driving along an expressway to the port. The bomber killed two children and injured one Chinese engineer, a senior Pakistani official confirmed to local media. “The suicide bomber was able to hit the last car of the convoy as it passed,” the official said. The bomb attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) that accuses the Chinese government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources for its personal gains.

Pakistan locals protest against China's belt and road project

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