China strategy: One Pearl at a Time
The Chinese government has already adopted a “string of pearls” strategy for the Indian Ocean, which consists of setting up a series of ports in friendly countries along the ocean’s northern seaboard.China has had a hand in building or refurbishing several geo-strategically-located ports in the region. In Pakistan, ports at Gwadar and Karachi have undergone extensive improvements and dredging by Chinese companies, as well as the construction of a new highway connecting them. China further modernized or constructed ports belonging to Bangladesh, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritania, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. This includes the $1 billion Sri Lankan port at Hambantota, which is a strategic six nautical miles from major sea lanes between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. China has also capitalized on a 1992 agreement with Myanmar for the construction of ports at Small and Great Coco Islands in return for the modernization of Myanmar’s navy.In addition, Chinese firms constructed or modernized ports at Sittwe, Kyuakpu, Mergui and Hainggyi Island.
Soon after India announced its decision to go ahead with oil exploration in South China Sea with Vietnam, China on Saturday (SEP 17, 2011) said it would expand its exploration of 10,000 sq km of seabed in southwest Indian Ocean. This was announced as part of its 2011-2015 oceanic development policy.China’s application for deep-sea mining licence in central Indian Ocean has been cleared by an international body, leaving the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs concerned. They fear Beijing may use it as “an excuse to operate their warships in this area”.
With China’s acquisition of several new nuclear-powered attack submarines and additional diesel-electric submarines, and also the introduction of an aircraft carrier (the Shi Lang), the PLA navy may choose to establish a longer-term, sustained presence in the Indian Ocean, in part to help safeguard its Sea line of Communications.
India has also carefully cultivated ties with the countries of the Indian Ocean rim, including Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, and Madagascar, providing these countries with naval support, such as offshore naval patrol vessels and staff and training.
Chinese monks attend Buddhist Congregation organized by New Delhi
Despite crackdown by China, Chinese monks attended Buddhist congregation organized by New Delhi. Religion has no boundaries. When China can’t control its own people, how can it impose restriction on India or other countries! It is believed Chinese monks came here on tourist visa either singly or in groups. This congregation was attended by around 800 delegates from major Buddhist nations of Asia. Heads of Buddhist organization from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Japan and central Asian republics attended the event.
China can't 'arm twist' India
India has shown to China that it can not pressurize India in any way. India is not small country which would come under China's pressure. Yesterday (Dec 01, 2011) West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan was present when Dalai Lama was addressing public in Kolkata. China called off Indo-China 15th round of border talks scheduled for Nov 28, 2011 because of Buddhist Conference organisation on the same day which had Dalai Lama involved in it. China doesn't seem to believe falling of these two events on same days as coincidence. Also It asked India to call of the congregation which was to be addressed by Dalai Lama. The event was co-organised by Public Diplomacy division of the Ministry of External Affairs. India respects sovereignty of its partner countries but no country should try to impose its say on India.
South Africa which is a trading partner of China kept on delaying visa to Dalai Lama to maintain the good relation that Beijing has with ruling African National Congress. Dalai Lama was to attend 80th birthday of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a fellow Nobel peace prize winner. This was the second time Dalai Lama could not honour invitation to South Africa by Tutu after failing to make it to a meeting in 2010.
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