China's Belt and Road Initiative is coming under unprecedented pressure as citizens in its neighbouring countries question the cost of massive infrastructure projects and whether the host country or China will truly be the beneficiary.
Last month's political earthquake in Malaysia was a stark example of how a government getting cosy with Beijing can cost it political capital at home. Although concern over China-backed railway lines clearly was not the only concern voters had with the government of ousted leader Najib Razak, cancelling rail projects did offer a quick way for the new administration to differentiate itself.
In Vietnam, meanwhile, riots broke out at the weekend amid...
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