The role of the Malacca Strait in the one belt, one road initiative

Abstract

The Strait of Malacca is a commercial step of utmost importance, where 60% of international maritime trade passes; it is crucial for global commerce but its geographic position makes it a dangerous chokepoint. In 2013 China unveiled its project of the One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR). This project is in part aimed to consolidate the Chinese strategic position in Southeast Asia, promoting alternative routes to secure the traffic of energy resources while reducing the Chinese dependence on the Strait of Malacca. The main objective of this paper is to examine the geopolitical and economic impact of the OBOR Initiative in South East Asian Nation economies through an appraisal of the traffic in the Malacca Strait as well as highlight and justify why the One Belt, One Road Initiative is so crucial for the region. Even when China is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on the Strait, the calculations carried on this study show the Malacca Strait as the best route compared to its feasible alternatives.