China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.

Implications for international routes & economic relations

1. China aims to increase markets for its goods and thus through its BRI-OBUR plan aims to have wider reach.

2. It aims to bypass its Malacca dilemma - the fear that USA will block Malacca.

3. It aims to circle Indian ocean through string of pearls to ensure control on sea lanes of communication.

4. Chinese belligerence in South China Sea leads to nervous trade in ASEAN countries.

5. Energy security is threatened as presence in oil rich countries like Oman.

6. The BRI project in itself is

• discriminatory
• loss making
• no benefits to locals Thus protests as seen in Gwadar.

1. Chinese ports and connectivity are called debt traps as it aims to have territorial control once countries can't pay (eg) Montenegro.