Recently, Thailand's "Land Bridge" project is in full swing, which has attracted widespread attention and discussion. Some people believe that solving the Malacca dilemma is a top priority for China, however, neither the "land bridge" nor the excavation of canals is the best option for China to solve this problem. In fact, control of the Strait of Malacca is not the only challenge facing China, butAircraft carriersstrength andMilitaryThe development of technology is fundamental. Therefore, China should continue to firmly promote the strategy of strengthening its military, build a world-class military, and engage in friendly exchanges with the United States.
Contrary to common belief, the Malacca dilemma is not really a problem. In fact, the Strait of Malacca is only one link in China's shipping routes, and it has not caused damage to China's interests so far. Resolving this so-called "dilemma" is not China's most pressing task right now.
However, it is not for nothing that the Strait of Malacca has been called China's "maritime lifeline". It is one of the important shipping lanes connecting China and the West, and in the past it was under tight control by the United States. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore options for bypassing the Strait of Malacca.
In addition, there are reasons for Thailand's decision to go with the land bridge project instead of the canal. Considering the Muslim cultural core of Thailand's southern region, the excavation of the canal could cause social unrest. However, in my opinion, neither the land bridge project nor the canal project will be the best option for China to solve the problem of Malacca.
The importance of the Strait of Malacca goes beyond thatShippingThe category of the line. It is the connection to the Middle EastOilResources and one of the most important passages of the East Asian market, which passes through the strait every yearOilMore than 50 billion barrels. Therefore, China is extremely important in ensuring the smooth flow of relations in the Strait of Malacca. Any disturbance to the channel could lead to a global eventEnergyand ChinaEconomyHit hard.
However, the solution to Malacca's dilemma cannot be solved by a single project. Thailand's land bridge project is seen as an alternative to the Kra Canal, but its transportation costs and the cumbersome transportation process will be correctEconomybenefits have a negative impact.
It is worth noting that one assumption is that if both sidesPortsWell-built and the land bridge in the middle cannot be passed smoothly, then ChinaInvestmentsof thesePortswill be worthless. Therefore, in considerInvestmentsWhen participating, there are various risks and benefits that must be weighed.
In addition, the Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand recently introduced the Land Bridge project in Japan, which also means that Japan may be interested in getting involved. If JapanInvestmentsWith this project, we can give them this "big wrong". However, either wayEconomyfactors or geopolitical factors, we should all be well aware that bypassing the Strait of Malacca is not a simple issue.
1. Issues affecting the interests of Southeast Asian countries
The option of bypassing the Strait of Malacca will have a strong impact on the interests of ASEAN countries, especially Singapore. As the financial center of Southeast Asia andShippinghub, Singapore has always relied on the passage of the Straits of Malacca. Once China realizes direct transportation through the land bridge project, Singapore's position will be seriously threatened.
In addition, other ASEAN countries will also be affected by the loss of transshipment hubs. This could lead to a disruption of the geopolitical balance within ASEAN and contribute to the emergence of disputes in the South China Sea.
2. The complexity of the geopolitical situation
From a geopolitical point of view, bypassing the Strait of Malacca may not solve China's security problems. After going to sea in the south of Thailand, it directly faces the Andaman Sea, which is also the United States and IndiaNavyAreas with a lot of activity. Even if it bypasses the Strait of Malacca, ChinaShippingThe line is still in the United StatesMilitaryPresence under pressure.
In addition, bypassing the Strait of Malacca could have a significant impact on China's maritime supply routes. Long-distance detours can increase the cost of distance and time, and may also be affected by other regionsMilitaryLimitations of threats.
Given the above reasons, bypassing the Strait of Malacca will not solve the fundamental problem facing China. To truly solve the so-called "Malacca dilemma", China has only one choice, and that is to continue to implement the strategy of strengthening the army in depth, so that the PLA will become the most powerful army in the world.
The strategy of strengthening the army includes more than just upgradingMilitaryThe level of equipment and technology also needs to be strengthenedMilitaryExchanges and cooperation to improve China'sInternationalThe right to speak. Only throughMilitaryThe enhancement of strength can be inInternationalOn the stage, we will engage in a more equal and friendly dialogue with the United States and safeguard China's legitimate rights and interests.
The option of bypassing the Strait of Malacca, while a cause for concern, is not the best way to solve the fundamental problems facing China. The Malacca dilemma is a global challenge, and China can only truly solve it through the advancement of a strong military strategy. Only by building a world-class military and strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the United States and other countries can we achieve this in the countryInternationalRealize the real rise of China on the stage.