Navigating Power: China's Strategy in the Indian Ocean Region

China’s Primary Strategy in the Indian Ocean Region

China's approach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is centered on solidifying its maritime dominance through various strategies such as trade expansion, port development, naval base construction, and military presence. The nation is actively working to establish an alternative maritime order, spearheaded by initiatives like the Maritime Silk Road and the “China-Indian Ocean Region” concept.

Expansion of Influence

To expand its influence in the IOR, China employs a blend of economic, military, and diplomatic strategies, including:

• Long-term leases for strategic ports in Sri Lanka (Hambantota), Pakistan (Gwadar), and Myanmar (Kyaukphyu).
• The construction of 24 dual-use ports, with five serving as military outposts.
• Naval base operations in Djibouti and strategic agreements with nations like the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

The Role of the Chinese Navy

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is pivotal to China's maritime strategy. With a fleet of 370 vessels currently, China aims to expand this to 435 ships by 2030, facilitating continuous patrols, submarine operations, and amphibious exercises. The navy also utilizes warships, spy vessels, and unmanned underwater drones to conduct oceanographic mapping.

Concerns Over Illegal Fishing

China's illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities pose a significant threat, violating UNCLOS regulations and disrupting marine ecosystems and local economies in the IOR. The Quad countries have initiated programs to monitor these activities using advanced technologies like “dark shipping” detection.

India’s Countermeasures

India's response to countering China’s influence includes:

• Strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), its sole tri-service command, to safeguard its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and bolster regional security.
• Enhancing connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) and Southeast Asia via infrastructure projects like the Great Nicobar transshipment facility and fostering improved relations with Indonesia (Sabang Port).
• Developing long-range surveillance capabilities and deploying drones for maritime domain awareness.

Significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command

Established in 2001, the ANC is crucial for securing 600,000 sq. km of India’s EEZ, essential for international trade. The command plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, addressing threats posed by China's naval activities, and enhancing regional partnerships.

Broader Maritime Ambitions of China

Since the 2012 resolution by China's 18th Communist Party Congress to become a strong maritime nation, it has progressively expanded its influence in shipbuilding, transportation, fisheries, and overseas naval bases. This ambition is embodied in the Maritime Silk Road initiative, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe through trade and infrastructure projects.

Impact of the “String of Pearls” Strategy

China's strategy of developing ports and bases surrounding India aims to create strategic footholds. Notable examples include:

• The Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, leased to China for 99 years, facilitating naval operations.
• Infrastructure in the Coco Islands of Myanmar, which poses surveillance threats to India's eastern coastline.
• The Gwadar port in Pakistan, enhancing China’s presence in the Arabian Sea.

Quad’s Initiatives Against China

The Quad nations (India, the US, Japan, and Australia) initiated the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness in 2022. This program aims to counter illegal fishing, monitor Chinese “dark shipping” activities, and improve regional security through enhanced information sharing.

Infrastructure Development by China

China is developing various infrastructures, including:

• Three railway lines connecting Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos at a cost of $29 billion to bolster trade dominance.
• Port infrastructure in Bangladesh (Chattogram), Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, providing access to strategic choke points.
• Maritime outposts and artificial islands, optimized for military operations.

Challenges for India in Countering China

India faces significant challenges in countering China's presence in the IOR due to its relatively smaller naval fleet (currently 132 ships, projected to grow to 175 by 2035) and limited infrastructure development in the ANI. Additionally, China's financial power and influence over smaller nations complicate regional diplomacy for India.

India’s Maritime Strategy Initiatives

India has launched several initiatives to enhance its maritime strategy:

• Act East Policy: Strengthening ties with Southeast Asia through trade and defense cooperation.
• Establishing a transshipment hub in Great Nicobar to facilitate international trade.
• Fostering connections with Indonesia to improve accessibility to Sabang Port.