China’s strategic investments ensure the presence of interest over almost 100 ports in more than 5o foreign countries worldwide which are important shipping lanes. In the beginning, they were seen as commercial undertakings but later on, worries about their potential military dimension arose mostly due to them being situated along China’s maritime line towards its new Silk Road.
Strategic Significance
In this case, most of these investments are held by the state–owned enterprises with Beijing becoming one of the leading operators in strategic deep water ports necessary for trade purposes. According to analysts, China’s port cities may have two roles, one relating to economic activities and the other to China’s security strategies.
Military Dynamics
The maritime network of China purportedly intended to expedite market entry has additional military relevance. Such ventures go beyond the economic gains; they shed light on competitors’ dealings and can be used as possible launching sites of naval operations granting China power of manoeuvre. For instance, Djibouti’s military base as well as China’s warships make use of their respective Chinese-owned ports highlighting the integration of commercial and military interests in China’s maritime strategies.
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Source: THE EDGE MALAYSIA
