China’s expanding use of ports to extend its economic and political influence is raising concerns in the U.S. and other countries, says The Wall Street Journal in a video report. Chinese firms fully or partly own and operate 95 ports beyond the country’s borders. 

In the video report, the WSJ looks at how U.S. diplomats have been working to counter Beijing’s influence, but how that effort has had mixed success.

For Washington, China’s growing role in the ports business carries high stakes. American officials view China’s expanding network as an increasing security threat, posing significant economic and even military risk. They are concerned that China could build on its commercial relationships at ports to establish military sites, particularly at seaports facing the Atlantic. 

One major focus now is Equatorial Guinea, where the existing port already has the capacity for military vessels.