Don’t underestimate China’s role in the Med

As part of its One Belt One Road project, China is investing in port links in the Mediterranean to connect to its international multi-modal cargo pathway. Part of that investment aims to develop the region as a ‘hub of hubs’ to channel Chinese goods through to Europe, Africa and America by sea.

Speaking at the event, Professor Hercules Haralambides, president, Haralambides & Associates, said: “In this hub of hubs concept, the ports of Southern Spain and Tangiers are becoming important hubs for transhipment for Africa.

“Also, this hub of hubs concept makes the Suez Canal a very important competitor to the Panama Canal when it comes to serving the East Coast of America. We should not underestimate this.”

Prof Haralambides pointed out that Europe has its own plans to develop its Mediterranean ports, but those plans do not necessarily include China: “The Chinese have come to tell us what to do and if we don’t like it, what do we do? Do we tell them what to do or do we wait for them to tell us?” he asked.