Colombia Joins Belt and Road Initiative

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Colombia formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

About Belt and Road Initiative

• Genesis: Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the initial name One Belt One Road (OBOR).
• Aim: To enhance regional integration, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth by developing infrastructure and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Key Components:
  • Silk Road Economic Belt: Overland routes connecting China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Sea routes connecting China’s eastern coast to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.

China’s Economic Influence & US Concerns

• China is now the largest trading partner of several Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Peru).
• China is expanding its footprint through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while the U.S. views Chinese presence near strategic locations like the Panama Canal as a national security threat.
• The U.S. accuses China of trapping countries in unsustainable debt for geopolitical leverage.

India’s Concerns with BRI

• Sovereignty Concerns: A major point of contention for India is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the BRI, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a territory India claims as its own.
• Security Threats: Like Nepal formally joined the BRI in 2017 and China’s increasing infrastructure projects in Nepal, particularly those close to the border (like the Chinese-funded airport in Pokhara), are seen as potentially compromising India’s security
• Erosion of Regional Influence: BRI projects in Nepal and other South Asian nations (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh) reflect China’s growing political-economic footprint, diluting India’s traditional sphere of influence.
  • Part of the broader “String of Pearls” strategy — perceived Chinese effort to encircle India with pro-China regimes or strategic assets.
• Debt Trap Diplomacy: India is wary that China might use its economic leverage through the BRI to ensnare smaller neighboring countries like Nepal in debt traps.