The Belt and Road Initiative in CLMV Nations: Political Economy Dynamics and Sino-Regional Relations
Keywords:
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CLMV Nations, CambodiaAbstract
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a vast global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government. Within Southeast Asia, the CLMV countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam—are key participants due to their strategic location and development needs. This article examines the political economy aspects of BRI implementation in the CLMV region and analyzes their implications for the relationships between these countries and China. Drawing on recent literature, it explores the motivations for CLMV participation, the nature of BRI projects, the economic and political impacts, and the resulting dynamics in bilateral relations. The analysis reveals that while BRI offers potential economic benefits through infrastructure development, it also presents challenges related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, social impacts, and sovereignty. These factors significantly shape the political and economic interactions between CLMV nations and China, leading to a complex interplay of cooperation, dependence, and occasional friction.
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