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The study aims to explore how China's Maritime Silk Road advances its territorial ambitions in the South China Sea through strategic investments.

June 11, 2026Discover Global SocietyOpen Access

China deploys maritime silk road infrastructure and economic leverage to pursue South China Sea territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia

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The study aims to explore how China's Maritime Silk Road advances its territorial ambitions in the South China Sea through strategic investments.
Qualitative case study methodology across Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Analysis of China's infrastructure developments and their geopolitical implications.
Investigation of economic dependencies and ASEAN cohesion fragmentation.
Identified three mechanisms: dual-use port facilities, asymmetric economic dependencies, and bilateralization strategies.
Correlated BRI investment flows with shifts in foreign policy, notably in Cambodia and the Philippines.
Demonstrated how investments obstruct collective ASEAN positions and enhance China's regional influence.

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Qualitative case study analyzes infrastructure investments shaping South China Sea ambitions in ASEAN nations, indicating geopolitical influence.

Van et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Qualitative case study analyzes infrastructure investments shaping South China Sea ambitions in ASEAN nations, indicating geopolitical influence.