China’s Expanding Maritime Trade: Economic Powerhouse or Military Foothold?
The world has been witnessing a global phenomenon: the ‘Port Conquest’ by China. As of now, China has invested in over 100 ports in 63 countries, thus establishing itself as a major player in the global maritime trade. The strategy is believed to be aimed at strengthening China’s global dominance in strategic locations for maritime trade without the necessity of deploying soldiers, ships, or weapons. This peaceful means of projecting power, China’s investment in maritime infrastructure across the globe, is noteworthy as it not only boosts the global trade economy but also raises questions about potential military objectives and national security implications for host countries and their allies.
The colossal scale of this endeavor is a testament to China’s formidable presence in global trade. This ascendance began when China surpassed the United States as the world’s largest trading nation in 2013. China’s domestic maritime power is evident, with some of the world’s busiest and largest ports, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Dalian. But the ‘Port Conquest’ goes beyond their borders, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aims to connect China to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe by sea.
The strategic benefits of such a plan are undeniable, but what lurks beneath the surface of these “commercial ventures” is a contentious matter. China’s national strategy of military-civil fusion raises the possibility of dual-use for these foreign ports. This policy dictates that overseas infrastructure projects must meet military standards, thereby opening up the possibility of these commercial ports being used to support the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the future.
The Doraleh Multipurpose Port in Djibouti, the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, the Port of Piraeus in Greece, and the proposed port project in Vaiusu Bay, Samoa, are some of the strategically significant Chinese-owned ports. All these ports, directly or indirectly, boost the Chinese military’s logistical capabilities by providing facilities for resupply, refueling, and potentially hosting Chinese warships and submarines.
While these ports can undoubtedly be leveraged for military purposes, the infrastructural capacity needed for significant naval presence is yet to be fully realized. As of now, China has one foreign military base in Djibouti and has been unable to establish another one despite its apparent ambitions.
China’s global ambitions extend beyond the acquisition of ports. Commercial installations such as the Space Tracking, Telemetry and Command Station in Patagonia, Argentina, semi-submersible heavy lift vessels like the Zhen Hua 28, and commercial 5G networks built by Chinese tech giants such as Huawei and ZTE, could all potentially serve dual-use purposes. Each of these installations and assets is capable of serving a military function while ostensibly serving a commercial purpose.
The military use of 5G is a particular point of contention. As per reports, China is heavily interested in developing 5G technologies for dual-use and military applications, such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and cyber operations. The ubiquitous presence of China’s 5G technology around the world could pose a threat to privacy and national security of other nations, especially the U.S. and its allies.
Moreover, China’s drones, satellite tracking, and communication platforms, and antenna systems are part of its array of commercial products with potential electronic warfare applications. Each of these products is capable of disrupting enemy networks, providing electromagnetic interference, conducting saturation attacks, and gathering intelligence. The potential presence of these technologies in strategically crucial areas raises security concerns for nations worldwide.
In essence, China’s growing investment in global ports and other commercial ventures paints a vivid picture of a peaceful rise. Yet, beneath the veneer of economic development lies the specter of a military foothold. It is not the fact of investment that raises eyebrows but the possibility of military-civil fusion and the potential for dual-use that stokes fears.
China’s strategy stands as a testament to the changing face of global power. No longer is dominance achieved purely through military might. Instead, the narrative of development, commercial growth, and global connectivity is leveraged to project power in a more subtle, yet equally effective manner.
In conclusion, as China continues its ‘Port Conquest’, the question remains whether these investments are solely commercial endeavors or part of a broader military strategy. The answer may well shape the future of global security and world power dynamics. While it is essential to foster global connectivity and trade, it is equally crucial to ensure that such cooperation does not compromise national or global security. The international community must collectively assess the situation and act with prudence and foresight to maintain a balanced world order.
