James R. Corcoran

Shifting Sands and Stormy Seas: China’s “One Belt-One Road” (一带一路): OBOR

OBOR is China’s $5 Trillion, multi-decade, infrastructure spending spree that spans 60-plus countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa designed to increase connectivity between those continents to enhance trade flows and spur long-term regional economic growth and development, benefiting all those involved. OBOR consists of a land route with six branches (“One Belt”) running from inner China to Northern Europe and a sea route (“One Road”) connecting the port of Shanghai ultimately with the end point of the land-based route in Venice, via India and Africa.

China’s New Defense White Paper in Today’s Context of Change and Transition

China’s Ministry of National Defense “White Paper” (authoritative report) is exceptional in its bold and authoritative presentation of China’s Military Strategy for both national defense and defense activities in the Asia-Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The May, 2015, White Paper’s Chapter V “Preparation for Military Struggle” draws focused attention in light of China’s ongoing military initiatives in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Straits, and further afield. With the landmark September 3 military parade commemorating the end of WW II, President Xi Jinping’s State visit to Washington D.

China, the 11 Nations of Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea: the Yin of Conflict and the Yang of Cooperation

Dr. Jim Corcoran was attending conferences in Vietnam when the news broke about China’s placement of an oil rig just off the coast of Vietnam. His interaction with Vietnamese government officials, academe, the media, and the general public in Hanoi provided an on-the-spot view of the effects of the contest between Vietnam and the PRC. China’s claim over the sovereignty of the South China Sea places it in direct rivalry over access and resources with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

China and Southeast Asia: Current Developments

The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) claim over the sovereignty of the South China Sea places it in direct interaction with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Land borders with Burma, Laos, and Vietnam further involve China with those nations. The PRC’s relations and interaction with the remaining four nations of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste rest primarily on shared finance, trade, and geo-political interests. The presence and role of overseas Chinese communities in the nations of Southeast Asia are of great importance to both China and each country in the region.