‘China deploys warships in Indian Ocean’

‘China deploys warships in Indian Ocean’

Context:

According to a Chinese website, a Chinese naval contingent has been deployed in the East Indian Ocean

What is in news?

• According to the report, the Blue 2018A fleet of the Chinese Navy has been training in the East Indian Ocean for a ‘week or so’
• The website has linked the deployment of the warships, including an amphibious vessel that can transfer troops from sea to land, to the evolving situation in the Maldives.
• The post has also highlighted that two additional naval groups, already deployed for anti-piracy escort missions of commercial ships, beef up the Navy’s overall deployment in the Indian Ocean at this time.
• These include the 27th escort convoy comprising a destroyer, frigate and a replenishment ship that may have entered the south Indian Ocean, having crossed the southern tip of Africa, after completing its mission in the Atlantic
• It partners with the Navy’s third ship contingent in the Indian Ocean — the 28th convoy escort formation in the western Indian Ocean.
• However, Indian defence sources have denied any movement of Chinese ships near Maldives

Significance of the issue:

• According to an Australian website, the entry of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean marks a significant shift in regional power.
• It shows that China is trying to exercise influence over a small state more usually within India’s strategic view
• It is expected to intensify strategic competition and increase mistrust between China and India