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The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive global investment strategy launched by the CCP in 2013 aimed at bolstering its economic and political influence across [[Asia]], [[Europe]], [[Africa]], and [[South America]]. The project involves investments in infrastructure and natural resource projects in countries.  Chinese officials are quite open that the BRI is aimed at creating a Eurasia wide Chinese led bloc to counter the United States.  It has been criticized by the U.S. and other countries as an example of “debt trap” diplomacy, that saddles developing countries with unsustainable debt burdens while allowing the regime to expand governance abroad.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive global investment strategy launched by the CCP in 2013 aimed at bolstering its economic and political influence across [[Asia]], [[Europe]], [[Africa]], and [[South America]]. The project involves investments in infrastructure and natural resource projects in countries.  Chinese officials are quite open that the BRI is aimed at creating a Eurasia wide Chinese led bloc to counter the United States.  It has been criticized by the U.S. and other countries as an example of “debt trap” diplomacy, that saddles developing countries with unsustainable debt burdens while allowing the regime to expand governance abroad.

China has been looking to construct a 120 kilometer mega canal cutting through the Isthmus of Kra, the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula in [[Thailand]].  This will open the [[South China Sea]] to the [[Indian Ocean]], bypassing the Strait of Malacca.  What China is eyeing is a canal project in Thailand called the Kra Canal and the Thai leadership seems to be on board.  Through this canal China is trying to reduce dependence on the Strait of Malacca. Currently 80 percent of China's oil imports passed through the South China Sea.  

China has been looking to construct a 120 kilometer mega canal cutting through the Isthmus of Kra, the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula in [[Thailand]].  This will open the [[South China Sea]] to the [[Indian Ocean]], bypassing the [[Strait of Malacca]].  What China is eyeing is a canal project in Thailand called the Kra Canal and the Thai leadership seems to be on board.  Through this canal China is trying to reduce dependence on the Strait of Malacca. Currently 80 percent of China's oil imports passed through the South China Sea.  

The Strait of Malacca is a key reason why China has not been able to grow too powerful.  Democratic and powers such as India, Australia, and

The Strait of Malacca is a key reason why China has not been able to grow too powerful.  Democratic and powers such as India, Australia, and