Beijing insists its generosity over Belt and Road is genuine

President Xi points to international contribution as others call it 'debt trap'

At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, attended by leaders from 53 African nations, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to offer $60 billion in economic support to the continent over the next three years.

TORU TAKAHASHI, Nikkei Asia Editor

September 9, 2018 12:38 JST

TOKYO -- Beijing seized the opportunity to show off its largesse by pledging another $60 billion to African countries at a forum ended Tuesday, as it tries to steer away from an image of a pillager at a time when its intentions over its expansive Belt and Road Initiative are increasingly questioned.