|
The String of Pearls theory is a geopolitical theory regarding potential Chinese intentions in the Indian Ocean region.〔http://csis.org/publication/issues-insights-vol-14-no-7-revisiting-chinas-string-pearls-strategy〕 It refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities and relationships along its sea lines of communication, which extend from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan. The sea lines run through several major maritime choke points such as the Strait of Mandeb, the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz and the Lombok Strait, as well as other strategic maritime centers in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Somalia. The term as a geopolitical concept was first used in an internal United States Department of Defense report titled "Energy Futures in Asia".〔(China builds up strategic sea lanes ), "The Washington Times", Washington, 17 January 2005. Retrieved on 4 May 2013.〕 The term has never been used by official Chinese government sources, but is often used in the Indian media.〔http://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/twt/archive/view/181855〕 The emergence of the String of Pearls is indicative of China’s growing geopolitical influence through concerted efforts to increase access to ports and airfields, expand and modernize military forces, and foster stronger diplomatic relationships with trading partners.〔Pehrson, Christopher J.(''String of Pearls: Meeting the Challenge of China's Rising Power Across the Asian Littoral.'' ), "Carlisle Papers in Security Strategy", July 2006. Retrieved on 4 May 2013.〕 The Chinese government insists that China’s burgeoning naval strategy is entirely peaceful in nature and designed solely for the protection of regional trade interests.〔(Hu: China Would Never Seek Hegemony ), "Xinhua News Agency", Beijing, 23 April 2009. Retrieved on 4 May 2013.〕 An analysis by ''The Economist'' also found the Chinese moves to be commercial in nature. Although it has been claimed that China's actions are creating a security dilemma between China and India in the Indian Ocean, this has been questioned by some analysts who point to China's fundamental strategic vulnerabilities.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=https://www.academia.edu/7698002/Beyond_the_String_of_Pearls_Is_there_really_a_Security_Dilemma_in_the_Indian_Ocean )〕 ==Origins== In 2005, the U.S. consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton came up with the “string of pearls” hypothesis, which posits that China will try to expand its naval presence by building civilian maritime infrastructure along the Indian Ocean periphery. China’s rapid economic development over the course of the last quarter century has been heavily dependent on foreign sources of energy, and it is likely that foreign sources of energy will prove even more critical to the continued growth of the Chinese economy. The sea lines of communication that link the Chinese mainland with ports throughout the Middle East and coasts of Africa, have become a major source of conflict with respect to China's future energy security.〔 China is the world's second largest oil consumer and the largest oil importer. Oil consumption is expected to grow in China by 5.8% annually until 2015. Oil imported from the Gulf States and Africa comprises 70% of total Chinese oil imports, and remains China’s most critical source of energy apart from domestic coal production. In order to meet future demand, China has signed a number of long term contracts to develop Iranian oil fields and to build a pipeline, refinery, and port in Sudan for oil export.〔 The oversea transport of oil from existing production areas will continue to remain the primary mode of energy importation for the foreseeable future. Efforts to secure new supply lines in Central Asia have proven difficult, with poor infrastructure, political instability, logistical challenges, and corruption hampering energy development there.〔 Energy security also sits at the core of China’s anti-piracy efforts, which figure into its larger maritime objectives. The expansion of Chinese naval patrols off the Coast of Somalia, and China’s decision to join multi-nation defense patrols in 2010, indicate China’s greater assertiveness in the policing of shipping corridors.〔(''China's anti-piracy role off Somalia expands.'' ), "BBC", 29 January 2010. Retrieved on 4 May 2013.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「String of Pearls (Indian Ocean)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|