Room for all on road to providing better Asian infrastructure
Beijing should not see other schemes aimed at bringing economic growth to underdeveloped countries as rivals to its own initiative
China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” is not the only scheme aimed at bringing infrastructure and economic growth to underdeveloped countries. Other ventures include the Eurasian Economic Union and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor.
The suggestion that Australia, India, Japan and the United States could join forces for yet another project is bound to be viewed by some in the Chinese leadership as purely about countering Beijing’s growing influence.
But if such a move eventuates, it should not be seen negatively; what at first glance would appear to be about competition can also be taken as complementary.
None of the four countries are among the almost 70 that have joined China in its bid to connect Asia with Europe and Africa, although Japan has expressed an interest.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed recently senior officials from the nations are discussing a joint infrastructure plan. But the favoured terminology is that it is an alternative to the belt and road plan rather than a competitor.
That is outwardly cold comfort to Beijing, given that all four have recently reinvigorated the Quad, a security alliance squarely aimed at countering China’s growing military might.
India and Japan joined forces in 2016 to collaborate on developing infrastructure and digital connectivity in Africa through the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, a direct competitor to the belt and road plan.