10 Years of China's Belt and Road Initiative Brings Trade Gains But Also Debt, Crime and Environmental Worries for Southeast Asia

Trade between China and Southeast Asia has more than doubled since the launch of China's Belt and Road Initiative 10 years ago. Beijing has invested billions into infrastructure projects.

Some concerns include rising debt burdens for countries, environmental impacts of projects, and a rise in organized crime.

Major BRI projects like the China-Laos railway have brought limited economic benefits for poorer countries like Laos but large debt obligations.

BRI projects have been linked to a rise in criminal activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, online gambling, and financial fraud.

Environmental concerns weigh on residents near BRI projects, like mining operations in Indonesia. Some projects have been suspended over environmental damages.