There’s a clear-eyed vision behind China’s maritime build-up

News: American surprise over a secret Chinese military base in the UAE port of Khalifa is unwarranted.

About China’s maritime plan

China in 2019 released Defence White Paper (DWP), declares overseas interests as a crucial part of China’s national interests. To address deficiencies in overseas operations and support, China builds far seas forces, develops overseas logistical facilities, and enhances capabilities in accomplishing diversified military tasks.

According to the Pentagon’s 2021 China Military Power Report, the PLA Navy (PLAN) has “a battle force of approximately 355 platforms, including major surface combatants, submarines, aircraft carriers, ocean-going amphibious ships, mine warfare ships, and fleet auxiliaries.” This force already outstrips the US Navy and is expected to grow to 460 ships by 2030.

About China’s maritime developments

Maritime: PLA Navy (PLAN) was initially equipped by the Soviets and even their strategy which included guarding the seaward flank of armies and guerilla warfare had Soviet influence. Later, the 2006 DWP expanded PLAN’s responsibilities, China started working on increasing its maritime capabilities with integrated offshore operations, strategic deterrence, and developing its capabilities of conducting cooperation in far seas. Later on, it declared, China aims to not become just a maritime power, but “a maritime great power”.

Shipbuilding: Chinese socialist-style shipbuilding industry remained behind Japanese or Koreans. China then rapidly modernized and corporatized its shipbuilding industry. China designated shipbuilding as a strategic industry. Its civil-military integration ensured a boom in merchant shipping. By 2010 China had become one of the largest shipbuilders.

Examples of China commissioned its first homebuilt aircraft carrier, the Shandong, in four years. In comparison, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier took 12 years.

What should India do to safeguard its interests?

As China strengthens its navy, India needs to develop its naval strategy. Though India can’t directly compete with China, yet it has to safeguard its vital interests – seaborne trade and energy traffic. India’s security interest also includes its maritime neighbours. To this effect, India needs to fasten its projects like Chabaahar (Iran), Agalega (Mauritius) and extend its reach further to places like Madagascar, Comoros and Socotra.

Also, the government should formulate a national strategy for maritime security which will comprehensively include shipbuilding, ports, seabed exploration etc. It should increase the navy’s share of the defence budget from 12 to 18-20%.

Source: This post is based on the article “There’s a clear-eyed vision behind China’s maritime build-up” published in the Indian Express on 3rd December 2021.