China has been persistently increasing its military presence along India’s border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to a recent report by the Pentagon. This information, sourced from TOI, suggests that China is extensively developing its border infrastructure. Activities include constructing underground storage facilities, roads, dual-use villages, airfields, and helipads.
The Pentagon, in its annual report, highlighted that despite the ongoing diplomatic discussions between India and China, the Chinese military hasn’t reduced its considerable deployments along the LAC. The report mentions, “China also deployed as many as three light-to-medium CABs in the eastern sector (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh) from its other theatre commands and an additional three CABs in the central sector (Uttarakhand, Himachal) of the LAC.” It further states that the majority of these deployed forces “remain in place along the LAC.”
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The Pentagon’s findings coincide with India’s assessments, especially when TOI pointed out that the military standoffs in eastern Ladakh are entering their fourth consecutive winter. Despite numerous rounds of talks between both nations, including the recent one on October 9-10, no substantial progress seems to have been made in resolving the face-offs at several key areas.
On the nuclear front, the Pentagon’s report, as quoted by TOI, indicates that China has more than 500 operational nuclear warheads. This surpasses earlier projections, and the count could reach over 1,000 by the year 2030. By comparison, the US has 3,750 active nuclear warheads, Russia has 5,889, India holds 164, and Pakistan has 170.
China‘s intentions behind this military assertiveness remain a matter of concern. The report provides insights into China’s goals, emphasizing President Xi Jinping’s ambition of having a “world class” military by 2049. This ambition isn’t limited to just land, sea, and air. The Pentagon’s report indicates China is also focusing on space, electronic warfare, and cyberspace capabilities.
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However, it’s essential to note that, as TOI reported, China‘s escalating military capabilities aren’t solely directed at India. China is preparing for potential intervention scenarios in regions like the Taiwan Strait, South and East China Seas, and is keen on safeguarding its energy supply routes in the Indian Ocean Region.
This situation underlines the strategic challenges facing not just India but other nations in the Indo-Pacific region. With China showcasing its rapidly advancing military capabilities and global aspirations, it’s evident that the geopolitics of the area will remain tense and dynamic in the coming years.
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