China is notoriously famous for its amazing construction skills.
The advances in the satellite imagery brought back to fore the rapid scale of constructions
on the isolated reefs, islands, islets, cays and shoals in the South China Sea.
The images provided by the Digital Globe, a commercial satellite imagery
provider analyzed by Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
published in IHS Jane’s indicate frenzied construction activity around Mischief
Reef and Spartly Island. The images include a 3 km air strip on Fiery Cross
Reef which is expanded 11 times. It is now three times bigger than the largest
natural island in the Spartly archipelago. The sudden surge in activity raises
serious questions about Chinese intentions. Its attitude of evading dialogue
with its neighbours over the disputed region is quite alarming. Philippines an
ally of the US in this region, intimidated by the vast size, growing clout and
trade hegemony of China decided to seek a legal recourse. It filed an arbitration
case against China under the United Nations Convention in the Law of the Sea
treaty. Perplexed by formidable
territorial ambitions of China, ASEAN leaders expressed serious concerns over
the rapidly booming land reclamation projects in their recently concluded
summit.
South China Sea turned into a region of fiercest rivalry as countries
abutting the large water body have conflicting claims over the islands. Regrettably nations have collectively failed
to break the log-jam over the disputed regions. Worried over brewing animosity
the 10 ASEAN countries of the region had resolved to exercise self restraint in
the year 2002. But the satellite images portraying a rejuvenated construction activity
of Chinese in this region across several barren islets, atolls, shoals and cays
opened the Pandora Box and nations are incensed. But China blatantly defended it
was simply trying to catch up with the construction activity of other countries
who have already developed extensive structures in this region. But the frantic
land reclamation activity and building of airstrips suggests otherwise. In fact
Philippines and Taiwan constructed air strips on the Thitu and Itu Abha islands
in the Spartly chain of islands. But the speed, scale and sophistication of
Chinese constructions are intimidating. The reef-turned islands are extensively
developed to function as command and control centres for China’s paramilitary,
air and naval patrols and help in resource extraction and rescue operations in
the area.
ASEAN leaders expressed concern that Chinese island building
efforts may undermine the peace, stability and security in the regions as the
features in the South China Sea are claimed by four other nations. Chinese
secret construction activity was busted by the satellite images that revealed
Chinese flotilla of vessels dumping sand on the fragile coral reefs claimed by
Philippines. These regions claimed by Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia
are rich source of energy reserves, fishery resources and a vital conduit for
the trade in this region. By consolidating its sweeping claims over the region,
Chinese can bedeck the islands with its troops and eventually exert its
dominance in the Western Pacific by controlling the strategic seaway. Though
the ASEAN region speaks of robust cooperation, the Chinese trade hegemony, its
diplomatic leverage and bold actions presage a potential armed conflict
threatening the peaceful coexistence of nations. In order to strengthen its
claims over the regions within the nine-dashed line region academically, China
created a think-tank, Institute of China-America Studies in Arlington Virginia.
It is an outpost of its National Institute for South China Sea Studies at
Hainan, a rigorous Chinese effort to add a touch of academic gloss to its
assertions. The nine dashed line doctrine
is advocated by China citing a reference to an old map dating back to 1940
shortly before Communist Party seized power.
Political analysts believe that Chinese is trying to push its
regional aspirations with great vigour before a potentially hawkish and
confrontational US president assumes power. China besides heightening its
control over features within the South China Sea aims to increase its
surveillance capabilities in the region’s water and airspace. The stead fast progress
made on these features indicates that entire regions might be under the aegis
of Chinese Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) before Obama exits his office.
China’s strategic moves in rapidly building a new turf in this region are immaculate.
The maritime diplomacy received a major shot in arm after President Xi Jinping ascent
to higher office in 2012. To boost up its maritime stratagem, the southernmost,
backwater province Hainan was turned into seat of frontline maritime interests.
In the least populated province of China Hainan, three prefectural
cities bloomed with expanded ports, runways, airport hangars, communication
facilities, coastal defence positions and a military garrison to hasten the land
reclamation activities at various features of South China Sea. To expedite
systemic construction over the features Asia’s largest cutting section dredger
was employed to create and expand the existing islands. For greater maritime
militia mobilization and to nurture its hold over the entire region, the
training and working style of Tanmen Village Maritime Militia Company was emulated.
Subsequently local fishermen were trained to handle arms to defend Chinese
territorial claims and were provided advanced trawlers for fishing along the
shores. Now Chinese fishing fleet has an enviable 5000 fishing vessels and 100,000
armed fishermen as a part of maritime militias. Simultaneously China is making
arrangements for permanent settlement of 1443 citizens on the disputed islands to
stake legal claims at a later stage. Stealthily China is making all
perspicacious efforts- legally, academically, strategically to gain control
over the South China Sea. When questioned about these rather quick developments
China quips back saying that it is emulating the tactics of the West who were
into this business since ages.
Over a period of time China has transformed into a Great
Maritime Power growing more qualitatively. Its attack submarines now outnumber the
US. The fiercely ambitious attitude of China is under scanner for its recent
inconsistencies in its foreign policy. Besides the regions in the South China
Sea which are bone of contention, it has disagreement over large stretches of
land with India as well. While it is seemingly making attempts to reach out to
India and Japan (over Senkaku islands), to resolve the disputes, its pattern of
assertive behaviour in South China Sea indicates otherwise. In 2011 Chinese
patrol boats harassed Vietnamese and Philippines oil-exploration vessels near
Spartly islands. In 2012 it occupied the Scarborough Shoal claimed by
Philippines. In 2014 it allowed state-owned oil Exploration Company to set up a
rig in Vietnamese waters. After huge anti- Chinese protests across various
cities in Vietnam it fled the waters. Bereft of credible military capability to
deter the Chinese aggression its neighbours are turning to the US. In a bid to
assuage fears of Philippines, US doubled its troops participating in the joint military
exercise, Balikatan in South China Sea. Soon Japan will be part of the
US-Filipino air patrol exercises. The US administration is unwilling to
encounter any military adventurism with China as it will run the risk of losing
its top creditor and second biggest trading partner.
In October 2014 minutes after India inked a pact with Vietnam
for exploration of oil and gas in the South China Sea Chinese Foreign Ministry took
severe objection to renewed cooperation between the nations for oil exploration
in Vietnamese waters. President Xi on his recent visit to Pakistan made a grand
announcement for building the 3000 km long China-Pakistan economic corridor
running through the PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) which is a disputed area. It
is also planning to construct a railway line between China and Nepal by building
tunnel under Mount Everest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to embark on
a bilateral visit to China with a focus on economic and strategic issue on May
14th. The previous history of China and its engagement with our neighbouring countries
are sending out vindictive signals. Hence Indian leadership should reassess
situations cautiously before congruently ramping up any issue of bilateral solidarity.
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