Security Threats and Industry Dominance: Why BC Ferries’ Deal With a Chinese Shipyard Is Drawing Fire

Workers build the keel of a ship at the state-owned Guangzhou Shipyard Guangdong Province, southern China, in a file photo. China Photos/Getty Images

Explainer

China Merchants Group Limited, the parent company of the Chinese state-owned firm contracted by BC Ferries to build new vessels, has faced international scrutiny over its global activities, including allegations of debt-trap diplomacy through China’s Belt and Road Initiative and efforts aimed at furthering Beijing’s goals abroad.