(Strategic Assessment-Institute for National Security Studies) Oded Eran - The Mediterranean region has witnessed accelerated Chinese maritime activity in recent years, primarily of a civilian nature though with sporadic incidents of military activity. China's leaders have long envisioned a strategy of positioning along sea routes far away from the mainland. China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO Group Ltd.), founded in 1961, is today among the top three in the world in container-carrying capacity. Beyond that, it owns and operates 46 container terminals. In 2014, 20% of Chinese exports to the world reached Europe and 80% were transported by sea, sufficient reason for China to seek a presence along the sea routes from its ports to the major European ports and ascertain that transportation is safe, efficient, and cheap. For example, on January 20, 2016, Greece announced approval of the offer by COSCO Group Ltd. to acquire 67% of the shares of the Piraeus Port. Other Chinese maritime investments in the eastern Mediterranean are in Port Said and Alexandria in Egypt, Istanbul, and in Ashdod and Haifa in Israel. Dr. Oded Eran served as Israel's ambassador to the EU and Jordan.
2016-05-13 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive