Hitting China's great wall
Sri Lanka has presented some unlikely roadblocks to China's Silk Road project
The city of Hambantota in Sri Lanka could present an unlikely obstacle in the way of the otherwise relentless progress of China's giant Belt and Road project—part of the country's modern Silk Road initiative. This already encompasses many energy-based and other infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region. In a direct affront to Beijing's long-term strategy, India has assumed the operation of a Chinese-built airport near the town that was intended to be part of a Belt and Road complex linked with an adjacent seaport. This is also Chinese-built and near one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Just as surprisingly, in October the Sri Lankan government rejected China's offer to build a
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
