China says it never compels countries to take its loans

A study showed China spent $240 billion to bail out 22 developing countries between 2008 and 2021 via 'Belt & Road' initiatives

China has never compelled countries to take its loans, or ever attached political strings to such agreements or sought political self-interest, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

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Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when responding to a question on a study which shows China spent $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries between 2008 and 2021 via "Belt & Road" initiatives.