Identifying and Explaining the Distribution of Chinese-Affiliated Ports Around the World: A Case Control Design

• In Event: Criminology of the Seas

Abstract

Chinese investment in port infrastructure has expanded significantly worldwide, raising concerns about its broader geopolitical and economic implications. This exploratory study examines Chinese-affiliated ports through the lens of instability, focusing on security and economic dimensions. Using a case-control design, we analyze why certain countries have been selected for Chinese port investments while others have not. Our findings suggest that investment decisions are shaped by a combination of strategic, economic, and political factors, potentially linking port influence to broader patterns of economic dependence and security vulnerabilities. By modeling the sub-themes of security and economic instability, this study provides a nuanced understanding of China’s port influence and its implications for global maritime policy.

Authors

• M. Dylan Spencer, Georgia Southern University

• Emilie Christiansen, Florida International University

• Stephen Pires, Florida International University

• Chi-Heng Tsai, National Taiwan Ocean University

• Ulhas Gondhali, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York

• Gohar Petrossian, John Jay College of Criminal Justice