David Cameron’s backing of Beijing-funded development raises questions over business dealings

This is the best summary I could come up with:

When Chinese president Xi Jinping cut the ribbon on Sri Lanka’s Port City Colombo construction site in September 2014, it was promoted as a future major hub in China’s global infrastructure project, the belt and road initiative.

Some Sri Lankans are worried that the ambitious project may deliver few benefits, have a negative impact on the environment and leave the island nation lumbered with a sprawling white elephant.

The Facebook page of Port City Colombo Limited, whose ultimate owner is the state-owned China Communications Construction Company, carries several photographs featuring one of its most enthusiastic advocates: Britain’s new foreign secretary, Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton.

Cameron’s office has not commented on fees, but said the speaking events were arranged via the Washington Speakers Bureau, and the contracting party was KPMG Sri Lanka.

In July 2020, Boris Johnson’s government announced that it would ban Huawei from the country’s high-speed 5G mobile communications network.

He flew to Beijing in September 2017 to discuss a plan for a new UK-China investment fund with China’s vice premier, Ma Kai.

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2 comments

Sri Lanka: stuck between a Chinese-owned and operated port and an India-owned and operated port.
Y'know, it would be great if it could be a Sri Lankan-owned and operated port... Adani Group didn't even give them a choice in that matter.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
When Chinese president Xi Jinping cut the ribbon on Sri Lanka’s Port City Colombo construction site in September 2014, it was promoted as a future major hub in China’s global infrastructure project, the belt and road initiative.
Some Sri Lankans are worried that the ambitious project may deliver few benefits, have a negative impact on the environment and leave the island nation lumbered with a sprawling white elephant.
The Facebook page of Port City Colombo Limited, whose ultimate owner is the state-owned China Communications Construction Company, carries several photographs featuring one of its most enthusiastic advocates: Britain’s new foreign secretary, Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton.
Cameron’s office has not commented on fees, but said the speaking events were arranged via the Washington Speakers Bureau, and the contracting party was KPMG Sri Lanka.
In July 2020, Boris Johnson’s government announced that it would ban Huawei from the country’s high-speed 5G mobile communications network.
He flew to Beijing in September 2017 to discuss a plan for a new UK-China investment fund with China’s vice premier, Ma Kai.
The original article contains 1,343 words, the summary contains 175 words. Saved 87%. I'm a bot and I'm open source!