China's Grand Plans for South Asia Stall Amid Corruption, Debt Concerns

China has invested over $60 billion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to build roads, railways, and pipelines through Pakistan. However, the project has faced corruption, delays, and debt concerns.

Gwadar port in Pakistan was supposed to be a flagship BRI project but remains empty. Pakistan's economic troubles have stalled infrastructure building.

Other countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh welcomed Chinese investment at first but now face unsustainable debt burdens.

China has bailed out many countries with risky loans and lacks transparency around loan terms, making debt restructuring difficult.

While flawed, China's infrastructure investments have spurred economic growth in South Asia. Countries are now exploring alternatives like partnering with India, Japan, the EU, and US.