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Description

This article examines the strategic rationale for China’s construction of overseas strongpoints in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the integration of economic, political, and military resources. It argues that strategic strongpoints—such as the naval logistics base in Djibouti—enhance China’s ability to safeguard overseas interests, secure trade and energy routes, and support non-combat operations like anti-piracy, disaster relief, and evacuations. Military diplomacy is highlighted as a critical tool for consolidating these strongpoints, fostering bilateral trust, and managing regional security perceptions without pursuing hegemony. The article underscores the importance of careful host-country selection, civil-military coordination, and sensitivity to reactions from other great powers, offering actionable insights for policymakers seeking to balance China’s overseas strategic objectives with broader diplomatic and security considerations.

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, Belt and Road Initiative, strategic strongpoints, military diplomacy, overseas bases, China foreign policy, security cooperation, naval logistics, international relations, risk management, non-combat operations

CMSI Archive Translation: Strategic Strongpoints along the “Belt and Road” and Building Military Diplomacy

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