The South Atlantic in China’s Global Policy: Why It Matters?

There is extensive literature regarding the importance of sea-lane communications to China, explaining the continuous modernization and mobilization of People’s Liberation Army Navy both in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Yet, little attention has been paid to Chinese interests and presence in the Atlantic as part of this country’s developing global policy. Considering the potential of the Atlantic Ocean when it comes to globalization of world trade, the logistics of shipping lanes, and the quest for natural resources, this chapter will shed light upon the security and geostrategic relevance of the South Atlantic for Chinese foreign policy. It will assess China’s increasing, albeit still modest, presence in a region within which Brazil has played a dominant role. It also looks at the area of the Gulf of Guinea which has become prominent for Chinese investments. The main argument points to the fact that China’s stance in the South Atlantic has witnessed a critical transition. There has been a shift from a traditional exclusive economic-oriented outlook to a more security-oriented and geostrategic posture. This cannot be dissociated from China’s proactive global foreign policy agenda and has important implications particularly for a major South Atlantic power like Brazil.