Nepal engulfed in China's debt trap over Pokhara airport deal: Report
Chinese companies, had finally become operational. However, beneath the surface of this grand opening lay a complex and unsettling reality - one that highlighted China's controversial infrastructure influence and its geopolitical rivalry with India, The New York Times reported.
For over four decades, Nepal had aspired to establish an international airport in Pokhara, envisioning it as a catalyst for transforming the city into a global tourist destination. Unfortunately, the project had languished due to political instability, bureaucratic challenges, and financial difficulties.
That was until China stepped in to fill the void, furthering its quest to create an alternative sphere of influence, challenging American dominance on the global stage. Nepal, located south of China and with close ties to India, represented an enticing geopolitical prospect.
The airport's construction was a part of China's grand ambitions, aligning with President Xi Jinping's signature infrastructure campaign, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which promised substantial investments in infrastructure projects worldwide. However, Nepal discreetly rejected the notion that the Pokhara airport was a part of the initiative.
This discrepancy propelled the airport into a diplomatic tug-of-war between China and India, according to The New York Times. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels
. Read more on livemint.com
