This is the most recent assessment of China’s expanding military power, ranging from long-range missiles and nuclear submarines to integrated air defense, space and electronic warfare capabilities, by the Pentagon in its detailed report presented to the United States Congress. on Tuesday.
India should take serious note of the Pentagon report in the context of expanding Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which has been further consolidated after Beijing established its first overseas base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa in August 2017, while enjoying unrestricted access to Karachi and Gwadar ports in Pakistan.
The Pentagon report said China is actively seeking to establish military logistics facilities in Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola and Tajikistan.
With a total force of about 350 warships and submarines, including more than 130 “major surface combatants,” China has even surpassed the force level of 293 warships in the US Navy, according to the report.
The United States Navy, of course, is far more technologically advanced, with up to 11 “super” 100,000-ton carriers (each can carry between 80 and 90 fighters) compared to China’s two. But China is building two more aircraft carriers, with the ultimate goal of having 10, according to Indian officials.
India should also be concerned about the rapidly emerging threat of China-Pakistan collusion at the IOR, with Beijing set to supply eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines, four Type-054A multi-role stealth frigates and other naval platforms and weapons, as reported by TOI above.
For now, India has a big advantage in the IOR due to the logistics tyranny facing China and, if necessary, can exploit its “Malacca Dilemma”. But the Indian Navy has a force level of just one aircraft carrier, 10 destroyers, 14 frigates, 11 corvettes, as well as 15 diesel-electric submarines and two nuclear-powered submarines in terms of the top fighters today.
While the commissioning of the long-delayed second carrier (INS Vikrant) will only take place in September 2021, the government has yet to approve the initial case to build a third carrier.
the Chinese navy it is “an increasingly modern and flexible force that has focused on replacing previous generations of platforms with limited capabilities in favor of larger and more modern multi-role combatants,” the Pentagon report said.
Noting how Beijing was pursuing a “nuclear triad,” the report said: “China’s nuclear forces will evolve significantly over the next decade as it modernizes, diversifies and increases the number of its land, sea and air forces. . nuclear supply platforms “.
On video: China now has the world’s largest navy
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