Ports, Politics, and Power: The Messy Reality of China’s Overseas Port Investments

China's expanding global port empire is often viewed as a master plan for naval projection, but the reality is far more complex and less coordinated than many Western policymakers believe. Instead of a top-down decree from Beijing, these projects are shaped by intense competition between Chinese state-owned enterprises and the significant political agency of host nations. Commercial interests are a powerful driver, with companies vying to replicate successful domestic development models like the "port-park-city" concept to ensure profitability. This fragmented implementation, driven by a mix of commercial incentives and local