Since then, Chinese submarines have also ventured into the Indian Ocean, stopping at Colombo and Karachi. Chinese patrols have gradually increased, as New Delhi claims. The Indian Ocean region has played a crucial role throughout history, but in recent times it has not been recognized for its distinct regional security architecture. Despite concerns about China, China's increasingly assertive behavior, outlined in its "Two Oceans" strategy for the Indian and Pacific Oceans, exposes the United States' current logistics network and force posture. in the region at increased risk. Through this strategy, Beijing intends to compete with the United States in both oceans by employing a military-civilian hybrid. However, concrete actions regarding China's maritime strategy are also being undertaken in China's western maritime periphery, particularly with regard to the Gwadar port. This article therefore studies the role of Gwadar in China's maritime strategy through the geopolitical frameworks of Mahan and Mackinder22. For more on Zheng He's voyages, see Tansen Sen, “The impact of Zheng He's expeditions on Indian Ocean Interactions,” Bulletin of SOAS, 79 3, 2016, pp. 609-636. To celebrate the anniversary of Zheng He's expeditions, the Chinese government commissioned a television series. Filming for the TV series began and trade between China and the Maldives was paltry. With China's cumulative investments in the country roughly totaling the contrast, Gayoom has maintained an economic and close relationship.