The Geopolitics of the West Indian Ocean

ABSTRACT: The West Indian Ocean represents a vast expanse of resource-rich maritime territory extending from the Eastern coast of Africa to Western Asia to the South Asian subcontinent. It includes many key maritime hubs, and is historically a focal point of Great Power competition. At present, in addition to the Persian Gulf, which is traditionally critical for the global energy supply, new resources through the region are being developed at both land and sea. At the same time, a number of regional powers are beginning to emerge within the broader context of complex competition between external actors. This has profound implications for the Indian Ocean and for global politics at large. From China’s perspective, at stake in the Indian Ocean is not only the security of a critical source of energy, but also the stability of China’s western frontier. The region also offers China a vast space for advancing strategic activities and a platform for trade and commerce.