Articles
The poorest 75 countries face a record $22 billion in debt service to China in 2025, driven largely by Belt and Road infrastructure loans. As China shifts from lender to debt collector, these repayments risk diverting funds from essential services like health, education and climate mitigation. Many loans were extended when other creditors withheld financing, but now burden recipient budgets amid economic pressures and reduced Western aid. The timing allows potential political leverage, even as China balances diplomatic calls for debt relief against domestic fiscal constraints.
