China’s Participation in Port Construction in the Western Indian Ocean Region: Dynamics and Challenges

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, China has actively participated in port construction and development in the Gulf and East Africa. China’s investment and construction of ports in this region demonstrates the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the host countries, serves the regional development and the overall interests of China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation, and reflects the characteristics of letting one case guide a whole area. China’s investment in port construction is faced with the risks of port politicisation and security problems brought about by the geopolitical game of world major powers. It is necessary for China to take the Western Indian Ocean region as a whole, to attach importance to the coordination and cooperation between the Gulf and East Africa in terms of geo-economy, channel route security and port construction layout, and pay attention to reducing the risks of port politicisation and security.