As per a Pentagon report, China is all set to add a dozen countries into its trusted list by establishing the logistics facilities. Among these countries, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are the topmost considerations, particularly those surrounding India on three sides. These facilities will allow the PLA to project and establish military powers to a more considerable geographical extent, reports Pentagon.
Expansion of military logistic facilities
Along with these three countries, China is also planning to expand the infrastructure facilities and military logistics to 9 other countries, namely, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Angola, Kenya, Seychelles, Tajikistan, and Tanzania. These potential Chinese logistic facilities are in addition to the already existing Chinese military base in Djibouti, which focuses on air, naval, and ground forces projection. This data has been collected from the Pentagon’s annual report. It says, “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 2020,” submitted to US Congress.
Ongoing operations by China
China has been very actively working towards growing its global transportation and trade linkages. It has also developed the PLA plannings along the Seal Lines of Communication from China to the Strait of Hormuz, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Overtures to Namibia, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands affirm this. The One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative is also working to deepen China’s economic integrations with the world.
The OBOR project helps China to construct pipelines and ports in Pakistan, decreasing its reliance on transporting energy resources through the likes of the Strait of Malacca. The OBOR is operating greatly as an initiative of President Xi Jinping in 2013, and the new military logistics plan is expected to join the force.
Impact on the United States
According to the Pentagon, these military advancements of China will adversely affect the US military operations. The report said, “Host nations can perform an essential role in regulating the PRC’s military operations as Chinese officials very likely recognize that a stable long-term relationship with the host nation is critical to the success of their military logistics facilities.”
They also believe that a military logistic network can further progress to enable intelligence monitoring of the United States military. These bases abroad clearly suggest that China is proceeding towards deployment of its forces, training more soldiers, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, diplomatic signaling, and military conflict support.
What the Policy Times is observing?
- Apart from the United States, India will be affected the most with these new advancements from China.
- Coming in the wake of strained relations between China and India, it is important for the Indian subcontinent to mend its ties; otherwise, all the neighbours of the country will turn away.
- China’s foreign policies are very strong, and India needs to move beyond its golden ties with the United States.
- Both the USA and India will have to collaborate and think of ways that this coalition of China with other countries does not interfere in their inland peace.
