Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto
On Sept. 1, 2011, an Indian naval vessel reported that it had received a warning by someone claiming to be a Chinese Navy official in the South China Sea. Although India and China have played down the report, such a scenario is utterly possible.
India and China have been investing immense resources for naval modernization in recent years to secure “blue-water” capabilities that would enable them to operate at long distances from territorial waters. Unlike the past colonialists, Indian and Chinese fleets of the 21st century are craving control over the oceans.
The Indian and Chinese navies are being designed to operate beyond their main areas of operation, namely the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, respectively. India’s “Look East” policy is designed to forge closer relationships with East Asian countries and the Indian Navy (IN) is one of its key instruments. India’s main concern is the security of its maritime communications via regional choke points, particularly the Malacca Strait.
India and China have been investing immense resources for naval modernization in recent years to secure “blue-water” capabilities that would enable them to operate at long distances from territorial waters. Unlike the past colonialists, Indian and Chinese fleets of the 21st century are craving control over the oceans.
The Indian and Chinese navies are being designed to operate beyond their main areas of operation, namely the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, respectively. India’s “Look East” policy is designed to forge closer relationships with East Asian countries and the Indian Navy (IN) is one of its key instruments. India’s main concern is the security of its maritime communications via regional choke points, particularly the Malacca Strait.
Read the full story at The Jakarta Post