Publication

This paper examines the strategic value of China's investments in seaports across the Indian Ocean since the early 2000s. In particular, it analyzes whether there is evidence to support the string of pearls theory, which suggests China could use these investments to establish a network of naval bases from southern China to Pakistan. Overall, the author argues that the ports that benefit from Chinese investment could facilitate Chinese Navy operations away from their home ports, but that the investments have not led to these ports to become Chinese military bases in the way suggested by the string of pearls theory.