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Research Analyst

Nicole Alpert

Independent and original Asian investment research

Aletheia Capital

Aletheia Capital (HK) Ltd. (previously known as Asianomics) combines the extensive knowledge of its experienced team with technology and regulatory changes to disrupt Global Markets business in Asia. The firm is completely independent with no conflicts of interest either on Investment Banking advisory or Capital Markets execution.

Macroeconomics

<p>Recently, Chinese-funded Philippines’ infrastructure projects went under the magnifying glass of public scrutiny as the public worried that China is leading the Philippines into a debt trap. It’s no wonder there are concerns. The Philippines faces continued disputes in the Spratly islands and its citizenry, like the rest of the world, is aware of the Sri Lankan experience, often characterised in a Machiavellian narrative dubbed ‘debt diplomacy’ or ‘new colonialism’. President Rodrigo Duterte is accused of mortgaging the future of the Philippines to China, while China stands accused of acting as a ‘merciless loan shark’. How much of this is true?</p>

Recently, Chinese-funded Philippines’ infrastructure projects went under the magnifying glass of public scrutiny as the public worried that China is leading the Philippines into a debt trap. It’s no wonder there are concerns. The Philippines faces continued disputes in the Spratly islands and its citizenry, like the rest of the world, is aware of the Sri Lankan experience, often characterised in a Machiavellian narrative dubbed ‘debt diplomacy’ or ‘new colonialism’. President Rodrigo Duterte is accused of mortgaging the future of the Philippines to China, while China stands accused of acting as a ‘merciless loan shark’. How much of this is true?

Game of Loans: Philippines Can Only Benefit from Chinese-Funded Projects