Veteran China journalist Mark K. Magsted’s documentary podcast series “On China’s Silk Road” featured an in-depth analysis in its latest episode, posted on Friday, about Chinese investments in Ethiopia and the new risks presented by the conflict in the Tigray region:

“So Chinese and other companies in Chinese-built industrial parks can send their goods on a Chinese-built train to a Chinese-built port. Ethiopians get jobs, a chance to build skills and diversify the economy. And China gets a presence in the strategically vital Horn of Africa. As China’s leaders like to say – it’s a win-win.

But Ethiopia is still a volatile place, with many ethnic and political rivalries. And one just turned hot again, in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray. That’s included airstrikes against the local Tigrean militia, which attacked a government military base.”