China17 March, 20261 min read
Xi pushes Belt and Road Initiative port alliance amid Iran war, Panama Canal dispute
Qiushi published July 1, 2025 Xi speech excerpt on maritime rights. Beijing seeks a Belt and Road port alliance to bolster maritime influence.
1 outlets told this the same way.
Speech context
A speech last year highlights Beijing’s focus on maritime rights – a concern analysts say will only intensify as threats to global shipping increase.
An excerpt of his speech, initially given at a closed-door meeting on July 1, 2025, was first published on Monday by Qiushi, the Communist Party’s top theoretical journal.
Port alliance push
"[China needs to] deeply participate in global ocean governance, unwaveringly defend ocean and maritime rights and interests, and advance the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative International Port Alliance,” Xi was quoted as saying.
The Belt and Road Initiative links global economies into a China-centred trading network, promoting connectivity and infrastructure development with more than 150 partners across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Analyst takeaway
Xin Qiang, a professor of international studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said Xi’s remarks signalled Beijing’s determination and strategic recalibration to address vulnerabilities.