Chinese geo-economics and strategic interests in the broader Mediterranean region

Abstract

The Maritime Silk Road as part of China´s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to entail the construction of large industrial infrastructure. Particularly port locations abroad are chosen as part of China’s wider strategic effort to redirect shipping routes and play a stronger role in international shipping. These ports are likely being identified for economic, strategic and geopolitical reasons. That is why China is also trying to acquire critical infrastructure, reconstruct ports and thus expand its political and economic influence in the strategically important Mediterranean region. Although at present it seems to be difficult to identify a detailed Chinese strategy which would apply to the whole Mediterranean region, this case study aims to take a wider look at the geostrategic importance of the Mediterranean for China, digging deeper into the structural aspects of China’s military and diplomatic presence in the region, particularly the country’s attitude towards strategic infrastructure share taking, such as ports and its maritime access to the Mediterranean. The main rationale of the study examines how China exerts influence and projects power in the Mediterranean.