Date:10/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/10/stories/2009071055071100.htm

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We need to monitor China’s defence modernisation: Ministry

K.V. Prasad

NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry has noted that while strategic and cooperative partnership with China has progressed during the past one year, there is a need for India to “monitor carefully” Beijing’s defence modernisation.

In its annual report 2008-09, the Ministry took note of the White Paper on China’s National Defence, 2008, and underlined the double digit growth in Chinese defence expenditure over the previous 20 years leading to significant modernisation of its defence forces, both in terms of quality and quantity.

In China’s statement on its White Paper, Beijing mentions it will never seek hegemony or engage in military expansion now or in the future, no matter how developed it becomes.

As per the White Paper, China’s stated objectives include developing strategic missile and space-based assets and of rapidly enhancing its blue-water navy to conduct operations in distant waters. It also includes systematic upgrading of infrastructure, reconnaissance and surveillance, quick response and operational capabilities in the border areas.

These plans will have an effect on the overall military environment in the neighbourhood of India. “Consequently, China’s defence modernisation needs to be monitored carefully in the foreseeable future for the implications that it can have on the security and defence of India,” the report says.

At the same time, China’s military assistance and cooperation with Pakistan and other countries in India’s neighbourhood, as well as the possibility of enhancing connectivity with Pakistan through the territory of Jammu and Kashmir “illegally occupied by China and Pakistan” and with other countries will also have direct military implications for India.

The Ministry says India will engage China to seek greater transparency and openness in its defence policy and posture, while taking all necessary measures to protect its national security, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Partnership with China progressed further during high level visits in 2008-09 and the two countries are seeking to build a relationship of friendship and trust, based on equality, which was sensitive to the concerns and aspirations of the other.

“India and China are also engaged in negotiations on the boundary question and have agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas through the implementation of mutually agreed confidence building measures, pending the final settlement of the boundary issue,” the report says.