News Desk
In the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, China is making substantial strides, prominently illustrated by its active involvement in strategic projects such as the Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Myanmar’s Rakhine province. Against the backdrop of Myanmar’s internal strife and political turbulence, the military junta recently formalized an addendum to the concession agreement for the Kyauk Phyu SEZ and deep-sea port, solidifying ties with the Chinese state-owned entity CITIC.
Myanmar, strategically positioning itself with special economic zones like Kyauk Phyu, Thilawa, and Dawei, has become a focal point of China’s expansive commercial reach. With significant investments aimed at developing facilities connected to the Indian Ocean, China is strengthening its maritime connectivity.
The Kyauk Phyu initiative, combined with endeavors such as the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Industrial Development Zone near Chittagong, and the Payra Deep Sea Port in Bangladesh, presents a geopolitical challenge. These undertakings collectively form part of China’s broader strategy to counterbalance New Delhi’s influence in South Asia.
Adding to regional concerns is the recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Chinese scientific research activities in the Indian Ocean. The study, analyzing four years of deployments by Chinese civilian oceanographic and energy research ships, hints at a dual purpose—supporting civilian interests while potentially aiding the operational reach of the People’s Liberation Army.
The CSIS findings spotlight China’s need for detailed oceanographic data to enhance submarine operations, intensifying existing anxieties in the region. The recent Reuters report outlining China’s military vulnerabilities across the Indian Ocean further underscores the absence of a secure base network and air cover for its navy, despite heavy reliance on oil shipments through the region.
As China expands its maritime influence, concerns escalate among regional players such as India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The delicate timing of the CSIS report coincides with evolving diplomatic ties between the Maldives and China, raising questions about the geopolitical intricacies at play in the Indian Ocean region and the nuanced dance of influence on the global maritime stage.
