Replied by Kota Mallikarjuna Gupta, Research Associate, VIF
Chinese Navy PLA (N) with its ever increasing naval assets, mostly indigenous, increases the maritime challenges for many countries in SCS and IOR. China is also involved in building up submarine arsenal of its partner country in IOR. There is also strategic relevance for some ports constructed by Chinese companies in IOR region. The gap between PLA (N) and naval forces of other countries in SCS and IOR is already very wide. Recently, the presence of Chinese research vessels/ satellite tracking ships and fishing boats in IOR escalated security concerns for many countries in Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Partnership in maritime domain helps to counter PLA (N) assertiveness in SCS and IOR. The maritime and technological capabilities of strategic partner can decrease the burden on regional navies to monitor Chinese naval activities in all theaters of Indo-Pacific. Strategic partners can enhance the maritime capabilities of many countries to counter PLA (N) with training of naval personnel from various IOR nations, achieving Transfer of Technology (TOT) agreements.