Sea Lanes: Strategic Deployment of the Belt and Road Security System

Abstract

At present, the Chinese economy has formed an operating pattern characterized by “two ends on the outside and two ends at sea.” The volume of foreign trade transport is massive, and regional distribution is relatively concentrated. Given the closed or semi-closed characteristics of the sea area, China’s ocean transport relies far more heavily on sea lanes such as the Malacca Strait compared with other countries. Because a maritime security guarantee system suitable for its economic strength and practical needs has not yet been built, China’s overseas supply chain is exposed to various security threats, creating latent security risks for the national economic system.