This book explores China's ambition to build itself into a maritime power. Despite having a continental coastline of 18,000 kilometers and territorial waters that cover an area one-third the size of its land mass, China has traditionally been considered a continental power. However, Beijing is currently trying to change this historical situation through two national strategies. This book will use the world-island and sea-power theories to explore the development of China’s maritime power from historical and geopolitical perspectives. Using fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and comprehensive data collection, this book will present a series of compelling examples and vivid stories to help readers understand China’s maritime strategies, with interest for China scholars, historians and economists alike.

Edmund Li Sheng received his M.A. and Ph.D. (political economy) from Universitaet Freiburg, Germany, after graduating with his BA from Peking University. He is currently a distinguished professor and executive director of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Research Institute at Shandong University, and his research has focused mainly on political economy and public policy