Commenting on debts incurred by nations participating in the BRI, China's  Vice Minister of commerce, Qian Keming, said at a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the NPC on March 9, said the trade and infrastructure strategy was not a “one-way street”. He said “Historically, the international debt problem is an old problem. While some countries’ debts have risen, this is the result of long-term accumulation.” Giving the example of Pakistan and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said 42 per cent of the country’s debt was from multilateral institutions, while “only around 10 per cent” could be attributed to China. Referring to criticism of the BRI,  he said “Only those who need money are willing to borrow. From the perspective of lenders, as long as your relationship is good and the funds are safe, then you will be willing to lend. I don’t think third parties should worry about the borrowers and lenders.” He added that across Asia, US$1.7 trillion in infrastructure investment was needed every year up to 2030, but only half of that amount was being met Qian Keming added that the commerce ministry would step up economic and trade cooperation zones and investment activities overseas to facilitate the development of the belt and road program.

 (Comment: China will hold its second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April, 2019.)