Abstract
China has significantly expanded its maritime influence in the Pacific through strategic investments in port infrastructure across 26 countries, involving a total of 56 port projects. In several cases, Chinese entities hold substantial ownership—50% or more—in key ports in Indonesia, Brunei, North Korea, South Korea, Peru, and two in Australia. Additionally, ports in Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia have Chinese ownership exceeding 40%. Beyond equity stakes, China has secured long-term operating control over many ports, including 100% operating rights in select ports in Australia, Mexico, North Korea, the USA, South Korea, and Peru, with contract durations ranging from 20 years to unlimited periods. Furthermore, it holds 90–80% control in ports in Panama, Thailand, and South Korea for multiple decades. These investments reflect a deliberate strategy of “Port Diplomacy,” enabling China to project influence, secure maritime access, and reshape the geostrategic landscape of the Pacific.
