Explore China's Global Reach

[BangersAndMash]

Between 2005 and 2010, China invested more than $319 billion overseas, funding projects in energy, agriculture, finance and more, according to data compiled by The Heritage Foundation


Interactive map of China's global reach -

Explore China's Global Reach : NPR

 

[BangersAndMash]

As China Invests, Many Kazakhs Say: Not Too Fast


As China grows in power and influence, few countries are feeling the effects more than neighboring Kazakhstan.

Having broken from its past as a Soviet republic, Kazakhstan now has an up-and-coming economy and a desire to be a player on the world stage. China seems to be offering just what Kazakhstan needs — billions of dollars in foreign investment and deeper political ties with real-world powers.

But many people in Kazakhstan have a plea: not too fast.

They fear China's ambitions and worry that Chinese influence could rob Kazakhstan of its identity — all but swallow up a country whose population is outnumbered by China's 80 to 1.

"China is going to help us little by little," says Saule Amirova, a 61-year-old woman who lives in Kazakhstan's eastern city of Almaty. "And then, they'll own our land."

Read more As China Invests, Many Kazakhs Say: Not Too Fast : NPR

 

[BangersAndMash]

In Greek Port, Storm Brews Over Chinese-Run Labor

China has capitalized on the financial crisis to expand its influence in Europe, promising to buy Greek, Spanish and Portuguese bonds. But its most important infrastructure deal in Europe has been its investment in the Greek port of Piraeus.

Through such deals, Chinese influence is changing more than just the financial landscape in Greece — with ramifications for the rest of Europe.

Standing at the container terminal of the port of Piraeus, John Makrydimitris points toward his feet. "There is Greece," he says. Then he gestures toward a metal fence just yards away. "And there is China," he says with a laugh.

Read more In Greek Port, Storm Brews Over Chinese-Run Labor : NPR

 

[BangersAndMash]

China's Rise: A Quest To 'Hug The World'?


When the United States took over from Britain as the predominant world power 100 years ago, the transition was like one between brothers — or cousins, at least. And the two countries remain close allies to this day. The rise of China in relation to U.S. predominance presents a somewhat different challenge — with decades of sometimes outright hostility and an ongoing fractious relationship.

As it re-emerges as a world power, the question is: Is China's awakening to be welcomed — or feared?

Some look to the past for clues — all the way back to the 15th century.

Read more China's Rise: A Quest To 'Hug The World'? : NPR

 

[Armand2REP]

Vast majority of Chinese FDI is directed at resource extraction, not much into commercial acquisition. There is another bubble in China besides property, the commodity bubble is huge. I was collecting data for a report and found managers are hoarding copper as a store of wealth, entire warehouses sit for years collecting dust. They use it as collateral on construction loans!