theTrumpet.com

The Chinese Navy is once again traversing the high seas, particularly the west Pacific and north Indian oceans. Driving Beijing’s sea travel is its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and the need to secure the safe transport of this nation-building commodity.

Two weeks ago Chinese officials signed an agreement for the deepening of the port of Gwadar, “whose Chinese-built facilities symbolize China’s return to an area that was briefly a playground for its navy” (International Herald Tribune, April 12). The IHT went on to explain that China’s rapidly growing influence over this strategic port is sending “ripples of anxiety” through America, Japan and even India.

The Trumpet has written about China’s rapidly expanding, technologically advanced navy. Isn’t it logical that, concurrent with its naval expansion, Beijing would seek to establish a number of seaports in which it can dock this naval hardware? Even the best navy in the world, if it were reliant on the port facilities of other nations to refuel and service its ships, would lie at the mercy of those nations.

By solidifying control over Gwadar, Beijing is killing two birds with one stone. On one hand it is establishing a base from which its navy can guarantee the security of its oil as it comes through the Strait of Hormuz. On the other, it is increasing its navy’s sphere of influence. Gwadar will serve as a base from which China can patrol the high seas—specifically the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The Chinese Navy is now on the doorstep of the Middle East!

The Trumpet has reported on how China has taken control of some of the most critical seaports around the globe. Chinese government or private companies own or partially own ports in Europe, Asia, Latin America, South America and even Africa. Gaining control of strategic ports and waterways is clearly part of Beijing’s strategic plan. Gwadar is an apt example!

Reports indicate that Japan and India are concerned about Chinese influence in Gwadar. Soon their concerns won’t matter: Relations between these two nations and China are elsewhere showing real signs of improvement, and are bound to get even better in the future. Bible prophecy shows that Japan, India and China will be three of the nations that comprise a great Eastern alliance (Russia and China in Prophecy will help you prove these facts for yourself).

It’s a different story for America, however. Patrolling the Asian waterways and the Indian Ocean has chiefly been America’s responsibility. While the job might be expensive at times, Washington’s presence has ensured relative stability in the region and guaranteed the safe flow of oil to the United States. China’s naval presence is growing and has become a serious concern for America. Unless America gets off its back foot and takes some strong action, this predicament cannot end well for America. •