La puissance maritime : un enjeu du XXIème siècle I Le dessous des cartes I ARTE

Summary

This episode of 'Dessous des Cartes' delves into the strategic importance of maritime power, highlighting China's naval expansion and its quest to rival the US Navy. It traces the history of naval dominance from ancient civilizations to modern superpowers, emphasizing the economic and military significance of controlling the seas. The show discusses current naval forces, with the US and China leading, and explores economic activities like shipping, shipbuilding, and undersea cable networks. It also touches on the geopolitical implications of sea rights, as defined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the growing importance of renewable energy from offshore wind farms.

Takeaways

• 🌍 China has been strategically utilizing the sea to expand its power, particularly through the colonization of disputed islands in the South China Sea.
• 🚢 The Chinese Navy has been rapidly modernizing, with the launch of the Liaoning aircraft carrier in 2013 and subsequent construction of more powerful vessels, aiming to rival the U.S. Navy's global dominance.
• 🌊 Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface and have historically been crucial for connecting continents and peoples, with maritime powers emerging since the 4th millennium BCE.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Dutch Republic became the first global maritime power in the 16th century, establishing a vast commercial empire through naval superiority and efficient trade practices.
• 🇬🇧 The United Kingdom succeeded the Dutch as the dominant maritime power, known as the 'Empress of the Seas,' with a powerful navy and extensive colonial territories.
• 🇺🇸 After World War II, the United States emerged as the leading naval power, deploying fleets and naval bases worldwide to protect strategic and economic interests and ensure global maritime freedom.
• 🛳️ The modern naval landscape is marked by a global rearmament, with China's rise challenging the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to a new naval arms race.
• 📊 The Chinese Navy has surpassed the U.S. Navy in the number of ships, with 229 principal vessels compared to 192 for the U.S., reflecting China's aggressive naval expansion.
• 🔄 The United States maintains superiority in terms of tonnage and strategic assets like nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, which are crucial for power projection.
• 🌐 Other nations like Russia, India, and France are also active in naval affairs, modernizing their fleets and asserting their presence in various maritime regions.

Q & A

What does the initial image of Chinese propaganda signify in the video?

The image of Chinese propaganda, with Xi Jinping at the center, signifies China's focus on expanding its naval power, particularly by colonizing islands that do not belong to it. The image highlights China's ambition to dominate the seas as part of its larger strategy to challenge the U.S. naval supremacy.

Why is China building more powerful aircraft carriers?

China is building more powerful aircraft carriers to strengthen its naval presence and challenge the United States' global maritime dominance. This is part of a broader strategy to increase its regional influence and secure economic and military advantages.

How does the history of global maritime powers evolve according to the video?

The history of global maritime powers evolves from ancient seafaring civilizations like the Polynesians, Phoenicians, and Cretois, to the rise of European powers. The Netherlands established the first global commercial empire in the 16th century, followed by the British Empire in the 18th century, and finally, the United States emerged as the dominant naval power after World War II.

What role does maritime trade play in the modern world?

Maritime trade is crucial to the global economy, with 90% of goods transported by sea. As global commerce has increased, securing sea routes and ports has become essential for economic stability and growth.

What are China's strategic objectives in expanding its naval power?

China's strategic objectives in expanding its naval power include asserting dominance in the South China Sea, challenging U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific region, securing economic routes like the Maritime Silk Road, and protecting its national interests around Taiwan.

What is the significance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in global maritime power?

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are significant because they grant nations the right to exploit marine resources, such as fishing, oil, and gas, within 200 nautical miles of their coastlines. The U.S. and France hold the largest EEZs, giving them substantial economic and strategic advantages in marine resource management.

How has the global shipbuilding industry shifted geographically?

The global shipbuilding industry has shifted from Europe to Asia, with countries like South Korea, Japan, and China now leading in the construction of bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships.

What role do undersea cables play in global connectivity?

Undersea cables are critical for global telecommunications, as they carry the vast majority of international data, including phone and internet traffic. Control over these cables allows nations to influence global information flows and communication infrastructure.

How is offshore wind energy connected to global maritime power?

Offshore wind energy is an emerging field in maritime power, with China leading the world in offshore wind installations. This positions China ahead in the renewable energy race, with the UK and several European countries also investing in offshore wind farms.

What environmental concerns are raised regarding China's fishing practices?

China is one of the largest fishing nations globally, but its fishing practices are often criticized for being illegal and unsustainable. Chinese fishing fleets are frequently accused of overfishing and violating territorial waters, leading to environmental and territorial disputes.