An Analysis on how China can affect the United States Foreign Policy in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) has become a global hotspot for international states and developing states to grow in their commercial industries. The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean on Earth and is home to a variety of natural raw materials found within and around the Indian Ocean. These materials can be used to sustain different industries which can provide materials used to develop nation’s infrastructure and supply its population. In this thesis will be evaluating the sphere of influence that China has in the Indian Ocean and assess the possibilities of China using Africa as an environmental host to fuel its own country’s needs. This intervention by China has the potential to disrupt the United States foreign relations with China diplomatically and economically, Lastly, with this much involvement in the Indian Ocean will China invest more into its maritime/naval forces to maintain and reliable presences in the region.