2. Oman Kaplan’s principal reference point Oman is where the art of open-water sailing developed “Oman is everywhere” (24). Traders from all countries and religions took advantage of the ocean’s unique environment. Started trade between all the countries surround the Indian Ocean Religions of Islam well suited for traveling merchants Spread culture Old Oman represents when “the ocean was neutral”…different from today (31).
3. Burma Resource rich landscape “The steep hillsides glistened with teak, coconut palms, black and ocher mud from the heavy rains, and tall chaotic grass” (213). Bordered by India and China Both want Burma’s oil reserves Natural gas, uranium, coal, zonc, copper, hydropower China Deep water ports and pipelines that will provide resources to landlocked south and west China
4. Zanzibar “Hub of a vast trading empire with its tentacles deep into Africa” –Richard Hall Monsoon winds allowed traders all the way from China to arrive in Zanzibar Slave trade When controlled by Omani Empire Made Zanzibar a sad sight Brought together Africa and Eurasia Known for their spices Coffee, red pepper, cloves, maize, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices 1964 Zanzibar brought into a union with Tanganyika, creating Tanzania America India and China Competing for a position in important sea routes
5. China China’s military growing drastically Chinese Navy Supposed to have more ships than the U.S. in the next decade Focus in the south were Indian and Pacific oceans meet (South China and Java Seas) Looking for oil Indian and Pacific Oceans Trade and protection Demand for energy Sustain its dramatic economic growth Seeking port access in Indian Ocean Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma Bring resources to landlocked areas of China
