Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure to speak with scholars, policymakers, and leaders from three different regions along China’s Belt and Road. These have been fascinating discussions that explored China’s engagement in these varied parts of the world.

The participants in these sessions all felt a sense of excitement, albeit tinged with a bit of unease, about China’s interest in their regions. Each is trying to figure out what’s the best way to engage Beijing so they can avoid some of the pitfalls that have befallen other countries, including in Africa.