The Malacca Myth: Why the United States Should Be Wary of a Distant Blockade Against China

The United States should be cautious about imposing a distant naval blockade against China through the Strait of Malacca. Although such a blockade might restrict China’s oil imports and create short-term economic pressure, its broader political and economic effects could undermine U.S. strategic interests. Blockades create price differences that encourage neutral states and private firms to profit by working around the blockade. The more economically significant the neutral states are as a whole, the more costly and difficult enforcement becomes.