Reading the article, I think what I realize is that us readers how no real sway over either side. If Sri Lanka didnt want an airport, they didnt have to get it

Reading the article, I think what I realize is that us readers how no real sway over either side. If Sri Lanka didnt want an airport, they didnt have to get it and China didnt need to provide an airport. Before there was real customers coming in, this was likely just a very good deal or a new product launch with no demand, I think the writer is oversimplifying the situation a bit. There are more reasons than maybe economic neocolonialism.