Chinese maritime expansionism

Why in news?

Beijing has sent two Chinese Navy warships with Chinese military personnel to Djibouti, its first military base overseas.

What could China's motives be?

• Djibouti has marked the formal return of Chinese maritime expansionism after centuries.
• It opens the door for more military bases in the region.
• Economic and strategic importance of the new facility at the mouth of the Red Sea gives wider access in the region.
• However China claims that the aim is to support Chinese warships on anti-piracy and humanitarian missions and not for military expansion.

What concerns has this raised among nations?

• China is now being portrayed as exhibiting influence both in land and sea.
• It gives the benefit of watch over other US bases in the region e.g Camp Lemonnier is the only permanent US base in Africa since 2002.
• It suggests a fundamental shift in Beijing’s stated policy of no “forward deployment”.
• It also raises the possibility of “forward deployment” at India’s doorstep. Pakistan’s Gwadar port is only a few miles away from Djibouti.
• Other port development projects in the region by China, like those in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, also raise the fear of being converted into military bases.

What is expected of India?

• China has stepped up activity in the Indian Ocean, which is a cause of concern for India.
• The appropriate Indian response would be to build stronger naval capabilities and alliances.
• Encouraging investments to develop India’s maritime infrastructure.

Source : The Indian Express