Chinese academic discusses national maritime strategy amid US-China competition

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

Di Dongsheng, associate dean of Renmin University’s school of international studies, advocated for China to prioritize a national consensus on regaining maritime mastery amid intensifying US-China competition. Di argued that China must direct overseas investment returns toward defense spending to secure vital shipping routes, ports, and canals over the next three decades. This call to action followed Di’s assessment that geopolitical events since the second half of 2025 near the Panama Canal, Greenland, and the Strait of Hormuz signaled a decline in open ocean access. He characterized maritime routes as a significant vulnerability for China, noting that the country must prepare for potential threats or shocks to its import and export trade.

Consequences

China may shift its economic strategy to prioritize the allocation of overseas investment returns toward bolstering its defense and maritime security capabilities. Beijing is likely to adopt a more defensive posture regarding its reliance on global shipping lanes as it anticipates prolonged competition with the United States.

Sources

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