China's String of Pearls Strategy: Asserting Maritime Dominance in the Indian Ocean

China's implementation of the “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indian Ocean Region has generated significant attention from regional powers and the United States. This paper examines China's establishment of naval facilities in key nations along the Indian Ocean rim, focusing on developments in Cambodia and Bangladesh. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources, including government reports and scholarly literature, the study investigates how Beijing aims to secure maritime trade routes, expand naval capabilities, and address vulnerabilities at strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca. The research emphasizes developments at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base and Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina Naval Base, which exemplify China's challenge to U.S. regional strategy while intensifying India's security concerns. The findings demonstrate China's systematic effort to enhance naval capabilities and extend influence across the Indo-Pacific, with significant implications for regional maritime security.