Safeguard the shipping lanes that carry 80% of its trade.
Influence regions far beyond the South China Sea.
(e.g., Carrier tech, submarine capabilities) Which of these areas should we explore next? China’s Quest for Great Power: Ships, Oil, and ...
Energy is the "Achilles' heel" of the Chinese economy. To fuel its growth and military, China is obsessed with energy security:
(e.g., Belt and Road Initiative, global oil prices) Safeguard the shipping lanes that carry 80% of its trade
China is rapidly expanding its maritime footprint to secure its status as a global superpower. This "Great Power" ambition rests on two pillars: a massive naval fleet and a secure flow of energy. ⚓ The Blue-Water Ambition
(e.g., South China Sea, Arctic, Horn of Africa) Belt and Road Initiative
Using economic ties to secure long-term oil and gas contracts.