Spanish
The U.S. government has launched an ambitious maritime initiative not seen since the 1970s, now with the aim of countering the growing expansion of China's port network worldwide, Reuters reported this Tuesday, citing three sources familiar with the plan.
According to those consulted, there is fear in the White House of being at a disadvantage against the Asian giant in the event of a conflict. Officials from the Donald Trump Administration maintain that the US commercial shipping fleet is poorly equipped to provide logistical support to the military in times of war, and that its dependence on foreign ships and ports is excessive, sources say.
In that order, the U.S. is considering alternatives that include supporting U.S. or Western private companies to acquire Chinese stakes in strategic ports. As an example, sources mentioned BlackRock's interest in the port assets of CK Hutchison, with operations in 23 countries, including the valuable Panama Canal.
The Greek port of Piraeus in the crosshairs
Authorities are also concerned about the existence of Chinese maritime infrastructure in places like Greece, Spain, the Caribbean, and even ports on the west coast of the United States. "The United States government views Chinese investments in global ports as a huge threat to its national security," said Stuart Poole-Robb, founder of the risk and intelligence advisory firm KCS Group.
One of the key maritime terminals that is in the crosshairs of the Trump Administration is the Greek port of Piraeus, one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, which connects Europe, Africa, and Asia. There, COSCO, one of China's largest port and shipping groups, owns a 67% stake in the Piraeus Port Authority. This company was added to the Pentagon's blacklist for its alleged links to the Chinese Army.
