In this 2024 follow-up, our Director Clark Banach and MERICS Lead Analyst Jacob Gunter provide a nuanced examination of China’s evolving maritime strategy, identifying areas where China has strengthened or ceded influence. They delve into internal dynamics within China, such as economic slowdowns or shifts in strategic priorities, as well as external pressures, including increased scrutiny from host nations and intensified competition in global trade and infrastructure development. This year’s findings underscore the interplay of domestic policy shifts and international geopolitical forces shaping the trajectory of China’s port influence strategy.
This updated analysis builds on a comprehensive 2023 report that explored China’s expanding global influence through its control of critical maritime infrastructure and the strategic implications for host nations. Find the interactive maps and summary of findings here.
The original report detailed how China developed an extensive network of port operations and highlighted the associated risks, including economic dependency and geopolitical vulnerabilities for recipient countries. China’s global influence on container ports faced setbacks in 2024, with reduced ownership and operational control at key facilities, including ports in Melbourne, Angola, and Saudi Arabia. These losses reflect a shift from rapid expansion to maintaining a strategically sufficient network, largely managed by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) aligned with Beijing’s strategic goals.
Growing international scrutiny, failed projects, and changing trade dynamics have hindered further growth. Domestically, economic constraints and shifting priorities toward high-tech and green initiatives have limited new investments. Despite these challenges, China’s early gains in maritime infrastructure ensure its continued influence in global shipping and trade.
>Listen to the Podcast Here