China’s Engagement with Maritime Nations: A Case Study

In the recorded history of Sri Lanka and Malaysia, trade with Chinese merchants, transhipment goods, embarking ships people were an ordinary occurrence. Malaysia initial subscribers Belt Road Initiative (BRI), when China launched BRI in 2013. Hence, problem identified for this research is: why are China’s relations through 21st century Maritime Silk being scrutinised by Western powers? Towards end, objectives two-fold, i.e. to examine Ancient engagement maritime nations Indian Ocean; secondly, compare ancient that it maintains these two states Century. As a descriptive study, utilises case study methodology, selected as cases. Thematic analysis was employed analyse data. Trade commercial ties remain backbone interactions between states. conclusion, can be ascertained modern continue underpinned economic interactions, contemporary underscored geopolitical considerations.