Lebedeva Nina

The Downside of the Chinese OBOR Project on the Example of Southeast Asia and South Africa (Political and strategic, socio-economic, environmental aspects)

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2019, №1(42), 38-52

 
Annotation: The article is devoted to an analysis of some results in the realization of China project One Belt One Road (OBOR) for 5 years from its launch in 2013. The main accent was made on the reverse side of the project – on risks and negative consequences in some states of the SEA and SA. They have lead its governments to demand to disregard conditions of OBOR because of 1. insufficient analysis of future investment profitability; 2. the uncertainty and obscurity of numerous political, economic, and regulatory aspects of projects; 3. usage of recycled or low-quality materials and equipment; 4. corruption and bribes as a means to support activities of Chinese officials; 5. damage to environments so as the onset of drought and complete deforestation. These costs became results of growing protest movements of population. Lack of transparence, expenses and the justified fears of OBOR’s military and strategic component, plus other factors, have led India to openly boycott the project,

Keywords: China project OBOR, risks and reverse side of OBOR. States of the SEA and SA, SPEC, MSR-21