Where some Western economies have balanced their relative wealth to resist the harder edges of Chinese investment, others have glutinously accepted the devil’s bargain born of communist gold. Fixated on car exports to the communist giant, Germany is today more Beijing’s ally than it is a founding member of the European Union. Other European powers also struggle to resist China’s poisoned flirtations.

Yet it is poorer nations such as Pakistan and countries all across Africa that face the brunt of the burden.

Whether by bribing politicians to approve projects or importing Chinese workers to do jobs that locals could otherwise do, Chinese companies have earned themselves growing disdain. Shoddy workmanship has exacerbated these tensions. In 2017, for example, a Chinese-constructed bridge in Kenya collapsed. And when nations are unable to repay loans, China threatens to seize control of their critical assets. Control over Uganda’s main international airport now sits at Chinese mercy.

Of course, for Xi, the ends justify the means.