Data shows a decline in every major violent-crime category in 2025, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, a professional organization of police executives representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada (CNN, February 11, 2026).

China’s Belt and Road initiative—sometimes called the New Silk Road—has expanded ports and airports, railroads, power generation, and other infrastructure in many locations across the globe. But to what extent is China’s global influence growing? Consider Africa.