What’s a “String of Pearls” strategy?

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The string of pearls strategy is a strategic move that involves creating a series of military and economic power nodes in a region. Each node is a “pearl” in the string, increasing the overall power of the parent nation. This strategic relationship move is an excellent way to encompass a larger swath of territory, thus gaining greater influence on the global stage, but it often evokes comments from other nations, who may be concerned that the strategy is the first step in a serious military takeover or threat.

Many things are included in a string of pearls strategy. The first is increased access to airports and ports. This can be accomplished by building new facilities or establishing cordial relationships with other nations to secure access to their ports. In some cases, the strategy provides substantial grants for the construction of new port and airport facilities in other countries, with the understanding that such facilities will be made readily available as needed.

Developing better diplomatic relations is also a crucial step in this strategy. In part, this is undertaken to ensure that sea lanes and airspace remain free and unobstructed. It can also be used to soothe concerns about a rapidly expanding string of pearls and establish solid export and trade deals that could ultimately benefit both nations. Since the strategy can be based on connecting a series of pearls, it is important to ensure that each pearl is also safe and is not threatened by neighboring nations.

The modernization of military forces is another component. A modern military can more effectively maintain and hold individual pearls and will also be prepared for various actions and exercises by the mother nation. China’s string of pearls strategy, for example, includes improvements to the military to indicate China’s readiness to address potential threats. The modernized military also supports a country’s rise as a global power and as a nation that commands respect.

For nations that are slowly being surrounded by a string of said pearls, the strategy can be overwhelming. A country can also slowly take control of shipping lanes, which is a cause for concern for nations that are not closely allied with it. China, for example, has growing influence over shipping lanes across the Indian Ocean, leading some countries to express unease about the safety of oil shipments and supplies in the region.

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