China‘s Strategy of Encirclement in Tourism41

In recent years, China has been increasingly active in the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally. One of the key strategies that China has employed is the "encirclement" of tourism destinations. This strategy involves investing heavily in infrastructure and development in areas that are strategically located to attract tourists from neighboring countries and regions.

One of the most notable examples of China's encirclement strategy is the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in southern China. The GBA is a region that includes the cities of Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai. China has invested heavily in infrastructure in the GBA, including the construction of high-speed rail lines, airports, and other transportation facilities. This has made the GBA more accessible to tourists from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.

China has also been investing heavily in tourism development in other parts of Southeast Asia. For example, China has provided financial assistance to Cambodia for the development of the Angkor Wat temple complex. China has also invested in the development of tourism infrastructure in Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

China's encirclement strategy has been successful in attracting tourists from neighboring countries. In 2019, the GBA welcomed over 110 million tourists, up from just 30 million in 2010. Similarly, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Southeast Asia has increased significantly in recent years. In 2019, China accounted for over 20% of all tourist arrivals in Southeast Asia.

China's encirclement strategy has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that China is using tourism as a way to expand its influence in the region. Others argue that China's investment in tourism is driving up prices and displacing local communities.

Despite the controversy, it is clear that China's encirclement strategy has been effective in boosting tourism in the region. China is now the largest source of tourists for many countries in Southeast Asia, and its investment in infrastructure and development is helping to make the region more accessible to tourists from all over the world.

Conclusion

China's encirclement strategy is a key part of its tourism development strategy. By investing heavily in infrastructure and development in areas that are strategically located to attract tourists from neighboring countries and regions, China has been able to boost tourism in the region and expand its influence. While the strategy has been successful, it has also raised concerns about China's intentions in the region.

2025-02-04

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