Sydney, May 27 -- China is putting growing financial pressure on developing countries, as debt repayments hit record levels. In 2025, these countries are expected to pay USD 35 billion to China, USD 22 billion of that from the world's 75 poorest and most vulnerable nations. Most of these payments are for loans taken under China's Belt and Road Initiative during the 2010s.

Lowy Institute, a think-tank based in Sydney in its report said, "Developing countries are grappling with a tidal wave of debt repayments and interest costs owed to China. Debt service flows to China from developing countries will total USD 35 billion in 2025 and are set to remain elevated for the rest of this decade. The bulk of this debt service, some USD 22 billion, ...