The Money Trap

     Some nations that benefited from China's lending program now face staggering bills.

     The value of grants and loans made to developing countries is around $1.34 trillion. While China poured money into infrastructure projects around the world, poor nations are struggling to repay debts. China is leveraging the program to expand its influence.

     The number of rail, harbor, highway and other infrastructure projects is about 20,985. 

     165 nations have participated.

     44 countries have debt to China accounting for more than 10 percent of their gross domestic product. 55 percent of the loans have entered the principal repayment period, with interest rates up to 8.7 percent if nations fall behind.

WORLD magazine