12/13/2023

Why the Indian Ocean Could be China's Achilles' Heel in a Taiwan War

Oil tankers lack protection in these waters

Every day, nearly 60 fully-loaded large crude-oil carriers sail between the Persian Gulf and Chinese ports, carrying about half of the oil that powers the world's second-largest economy.

As the vessels enter the South China Sea, they ply waters increasingly controlled by China's growing military, from the missile batteries and airfields at its bases on disputed islands to its stealthy Type 055 destroyers.

But when crossing the Indian Ocean, joined by others headed to China from Africa and Brazil, these tankers lack protection in a naval theatre dominated by the U.S.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.