Consequences and Implications of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative on Maritime Security in the South China Sea

Abstract

The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure development policy, plays a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the South China Sea. By fostering economic interdependence through the Maritime Silk Road, the BRI bolsters China's influence in a region where 21% of global trade transits, highlighting its significance for both regional and global stakeholders. However, the BRI’s implementation poses dual challenges: non-traditional security threats, such as environmental degradation and disruption of local economies, and strategic concerns, including China's militarization efforts and territorial assertions. China’s actions, including naval confrontations and artificial island construction, aim to assert dominance while leveraging economic dependencies to dissuade opposition. For smaller states, such as those in Southeast Asia, the BRI offers critical infrastructure funding but increases vulnerability to Chinese political leverage. Furthermore, the BRI has intensified tensions, drawing attention from global powers like the United States and Russia, which have strategic interests in maintaining regional stability. Ultimately, the BRI serves as a strategic tool for China, blending economic diplomacy with hard power to reinforce its territorial ambitions. While the initiative supports infrastructure development, it also redefines the geopolitical landscape, amplifying security concerns in the South China Sea and positioning China as a dominant force in shaping regional and international order.