China and global influence

China has completed arrangements to set up a foreign aid and overseas infrastructure development department. This is in an effort to extend its global influence.

Already, the country's presence is being felt in many nations around the world as the Communist Party spreads its tentacles.

Beijing said that the newly created department was designed to make its aid and overseas spending more efficient. It was part of reforms designed to strengthen the Communist Party’s rule and reflect President Xi’s policy priorities.

To further expand China’s economic influence abroad, Mr Xi has spearheaded the $900 billion “belt and road initiative.” This is for infrastructural projects along the ancient silk routes that connect China with central and west Asian countries and beyond.