Key facts
- Middle powers are urged to become "indispensable" chokepoints to safeguard strategic autonomy.
- This strategy is a response to the power rivalry between the US and China.
- The advice was given at a forum in India on Wednesday.
- The US-China rivalry impacts global security and economic stability.
- Key maritime chokepoints in the Middle East, such as the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, are vital for global trade and energy transportation.
Former leaders and top diplomats have advised middle powers to become "indispensable" chokepoints to navigate the growing geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. This strategy aims to enhance strategic autonomy and protect smaller and middle-tier nations from increasing global uncertainties, including trade conflicts.
The assessment, made at a forum in India on Wednesday, comes as these countries seek to shield themselves from the ramifications of the trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump. This conflict has affected allies and adversaries alike and has become more complex.
According to a study published in Strategic Perspectives, the rivalry between the US and China is a critical factor in contemporary international relations, affecting global security and economic stability. A key aspect of this rivalry involves control over vital maritime chokepoints in the Middle East, such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which are crucial for global trade and energy transport. The study highlights that this rivalry amplifies the strategic importance of these chokepoints, potentially leading to heightened regional insecurity and disruptions to global trade and energy supplies. The authors emphasize the necessity of careful management and international cooperation to ensure the stability and security of these critical maritime routes.