The longest civil war in Srilanka would not have come to an end if China dint help Srilanka with its arms and ammunitions. When India and other western countries restricted the supply of arms to Srilanka due to the human rights issues, China was the largest arms supplier. In 2007 a classified amount to the tune of around $38 mn was used by Sri Lanka to procure arms from China. China gave six F7 fighter jets for FREE. (Source: Telegraph,Newyork times ) China also gave diplomatic support to Srilanka in the United nations security counsil by not allowing the topic of Human rights in Srilanka to be discussed at all. China was the highest donor to Srilanka to the tune of $1billion last year.What did China want in return?
They wanted to set up a port in Srilanka. They are already constructing one in Hambantota island of SriLanka. Experts say its a very strategic location and it can sure be a Naval military base in the future. It will be an important asset for China. It provides China with presence midway in the Indian Ocean.
China has also set up other port ventures in the following countries which share their proximity to India. Gwadar in Pakistan Coast, Kyauk phyu in Burmas Ramree Island and Sittwe in Myanmar coast, Chittagong in Bangladesh and one each in Thailand and Combodia.But China says its purely a commercial Venture and it has no intentions of having any naval bases. It plans to use them as docking stations, refuelling and to patrol its Oil pipelines from Saudi.
Photo Source: ( Marine buzz.com)
All these sophisticated ports have the capability of turning into military bases. All these ports are setup around the borders of India. This is called technically as "string of pearls strategy". This has implications for the security of a country like India.
As an Indian, one would not be very comfortable with these moves. But China has gained an important edge in having setup its base in Sri lanka. Even though everything looks a very commercial venture, there are hidded gains that have been deferred for the future when necessary.
Suguna Vinodh
She is currently a home maker and a mom based out of California. The views expressed in this article are her own. All copyrights and Trade Marks are duly acknowledged. She can be reached via the link on the right tab on this page
