China’s Belt and Road Faces Growing Opposition From Participating Countries as Debts Mount

A file image of Pakistani and Chinese workers sitting on an excavator as they leave a newly built tunnel in northern Pakistan's Gojal Valley, on Sept. 25, 2015. The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is facing growing opposition from participating countries as their debts associated with Chinese projects mount, according to a recent study.

Launched in 2013 by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the BRI might be losing its impetus due to a debt-based backlash, according to a study from AidData, a research lab at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute.