From 2014 to 2024, China has broadened its involvement in global maritime infrastructure, particularly through port investments that align with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By investing in ports across key regions such as Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, China aims to enhance global trade connectivity and improve logistics efficiency. Notable Chinese enterprises, including China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and China Merchants Group (CMG), have partnered with many countries to develop and operate port facilities. Through projects like the Port of Piraeus in Greece, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Chancay in Peru, these investments contribute to local economies, streamline trade flows, and support international collaboration. This network is set to expand with plans through 2035, demonstrating China’s long-term vision for integrated global trade pathways.
China's global port investments during this period include acquisitions, construction, and operational partnerships. Notable projects are:
- Piraeus Port, Greece: In 2016, COSCO acquired a majority stake, transforming it into a major hub connecting Asia and Europe.
- Hambantota Port, Sri Lanka: Facing financial difficulties, Sri Lanka leased the port to China Merchants Port Holdings in 2017 for 99 years.
- Chancay Port, Peru: In 2024, COSCO inaugurated a $1.3 billion deep-water port, aiming to enhance trade between South America and Asia.
- Djibouti Port, Djibouti: China has invested in developing port facilities, establishing a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa.
- Gwadar Port, Pakistan: Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China has invested in developing this port to facilitate trade routes to the Middle East and Africa.
- Port of Darwin, Australia: In 2015, a Chinese company secured a 99-year lease, raising strategic concerns.
- Kuantan Port, Malaysia: China has invested in expanding this port to enhance trade routes in Southeast Asia.
- Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka: Chinese companies have been involved in developing the Colombo International Container Terminal.
- Port of Djibouti, Djibouti: China has invested in developing port facilities, establishing a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa.
- Port of Piraeus, Greece: COSCO acquired a majority stake in 2016, transforming it into a major hub connecting Asia and Europe.
- Port of Valencia, Spain: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium: COSCO acquired a stake in 2017, enhancing its European network.
- Port of Antwerp, Belgium: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Hamburg, Germany: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Le Havre, France: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Genoa, Italy: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Vado Ligure, Italy: COSCO acquired a stake in 2016, enhancing its Mediterranean presence.
- Port of Sines, Portugal: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Bilbao, Spain: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Algeciras, Spain: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Marseille, France: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Naples, Italy: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Trieste, Italy: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Rijeka, Croatia: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Koper, Slovenia: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Constanta, Romania: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Gdansk, Poland: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Riga, Latvia: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Tallinn, Estonia: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of St. Petersburg, Russia: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Vladivostok, Russia: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Novorossiysk, Russia: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Odessa, Ukraine: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Istanbul, Turkey: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Mersin, Turkey: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Haifa, Israel: In 2015, a Chinese company won a tender to operate a new terminal for 25 years.
- Port of Ashdod, Israel: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Dammam, Saudi Arabia: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Dubai, UAE: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Abu Dhabi, UAE: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
- Port of Sohar, Oman: Chinese companies have invested in terminal operations to facilitate trade with Europe.
- Port of Salalah, Oman: Chinese firms have invested in terminal operations to strengthen trade links.
China's growing portfolio of port investments reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing worldwide trade connectivity. These projects not only support local economic growth but also foster international cooperation and promote efficient trade routes. As these port developments continue to progress, China’s role as a collaborative partner in global trade infrastructure is likely to strengthen, benefiting both regional economies and the broader international trading community.
This summary is based on available data from 2014 to 2024 and reflects trends and investments made by Chinese entities during this period. Details about each port investment may vary by source, and further developments may alter the scope and nature of China's global port engagement as new policies, economic considerations, and geopolitical dynamics emerge.
Kjeld Friis Munkholm Associate Parter at
Vejle - China Business Center
? 2024 Kjeld Friis Munkholm. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.
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