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.
In April, 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 article 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 first acknowledged the economic, strategic and even military significance of Chinese interest in the port of Gwadar in August 2001.
China’s rapidly expanding, technologically advanced navy is impressive (see our March-April 2005 article “China’s Military Muscle”). 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, not only is Beijing establishing a base from which its navy can guarantee the security of its oil as it comes through the Strait of Hormuz, but 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!
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 Britain, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean and even Africa. Gaining control of strategic ports and waterways is clearly part of Beijing’s strategic plan. Gwadar is an apt example.
It’s a different story for America, however. Patrolling the Asian waterways and the Indian Ocean, since the post-world War ii withdrawal of the British Navy, 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. However, 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, or, indeed, the rest of the world.