Beijing’s maritime strategy in the South China Sea

Abstract

The present study aims to analyse, evaluate, and comprehend some of the main factors that may explain China’s strategic aspiration to become a Great Maritime Power. Using historical background within the approaches applied during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it will try to better identify the origins of this ambition. Afterwards, we will focus on the methods that are being used in the contemporary era with the aim of giving China a sturdy, undisputed, and prominent place in the world arena. Finally, we will try to present the key points so that we can understand why China wants to be a dominant great maritime power. For this dissertation I will use a geopolitical and strategic studies methodology. Since China is gaining a greater importance worldwide having more and more countries engaged or interdependent economically, commercially, or politically with it every day, we believe this to be an important topic to analyse and discuss, mainly from the perspective of a western outlook, and most important from a European citizen, since it can give to this dissertation a perspective from an outsider. However, this theme also has implications in the European level and that is why it is also important to raise awareness to it. In the final remarks, we will seek to conclude specifying the reasons that have led China, over the centuries to this day, to adopt a maritime strategy for the 21st century and how this choice has influences Beijing’s foreign policy. We are going to focus on five main topics — What is Maritime Power?, History – Ancient China and the Sea, China Dream, Modernisation of the Chinese Navy, and The 21st Century Thucydides Trap.

Date of Award	27 Feb 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Miguel Monjardino (Supervisor)