Power transition theory as naval diplomatic practice : an analysis of the United States of America and the people's Republic of China in the Indian ocean from 2017 - 2023

Abstract

China, as a rising power in the global system, has been increasing its naval presence in the Indian Ocean and the establishment of the country’s first-ever naval base in Djibouti further raised concerns from the dominant state in the international system, which is the United States of America. Moreover, the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean has fuelled the debate of an ongoing transfer of power between a rising China and the US. This study contends that the naval diplomatic practices of the US and Chinese navies in the Indian Ocean, which includes port calls, senior visits, establishing bases, and bilateral and multilateral exercises with Djibouti, India, and Pakistan, partially account for a macro transition of power involving both countries.