A New Silk Road - China's Maritime and Rail Transport Policy

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the New Silk Road (NSR) initiative was presented by China in 2013. It is a long-term project and relatively new, so it is evolving all the time and its scale is growing. In this context, the sea and land routes of the NJS were discussed and the main sources of funding for projects related to the initiative were pointed out. Attention was also drawn to the high activity of Chinese companies in taking ownership of entire ports or certain terminals in European seaports, and to China's military activity along the entire non-European maritime route of the NSR, which has become apparent in recent years. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research approach is to analyze source materials and literature on the subject, use internet sources and own observation. Findings: From China's point of view, the NSR initiative has created an opportunity for further development, expanding its sphere of economic influence and strengthening its position on the international stage. The practice of recent years has shown that freight between China and the European Union on NJS routes is definitely dominated by sea freight over rail freight. This implies much greater Chinese interest in Europe's seaports and terminals than in terminals and railroads. China's expanding expansion of ownership and management of European seaports has raised concerns not only in broad economic circles but also within the structures of the NATO defense pact. The seizure of ownership in European port terminals and a permanent presence there, the establishment of military bases along the NJS sea route, a kind of appropriation of the South China Sea, including conflict with neighboring countries (Vietnam, Philippines) and military provocations against Taiwan, all testify to China's military expansion and its aspiration to be a global power also in military terms. Practical implications: With regard to the major ports and port terminals in the European Union, the strategy of the Middle Kingdom justified by its policy of creating the New Silk Road consists primarily of capital entries into operator companies and the acquisition of at least part and later even all of the port or terminal infrastructure. Originality/value: The article contributes to broader research on China's realpolitik in relation to the New Silk Road. Particularly to be analyzed are the activities of Chinese companies operating transshipment terminals at European ports. Attention has also been paid to China's apparent military presence on the non-European part of the New Silk Road route, which requires further in-depth analysis.