HASINA'S VISIT TO PRC: IN QUEST OF A COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP

In an attempt to carve out innovative ways to strengthen the more than three decades old bilateral and diplomatic relations with the emerging Asian giant, Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina undertook a high-profile five-day official visit to China. It was her first visit to China since taking the charge of Bangladesh’s new government, after the landslide victory in December 2009 elections. The much anticipated high level talks between Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina with her Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, yielded in the resolution to create a "Closer Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation" from the strategic perception, with a firm basis on the principle of Panchsheel. This was a crucial steeping stone in Sheikh Hasina’s ambition to get a "comprehensive partnership" with Beijing. The landmark talks dealt with a spectrum of issues that were significant for both the countries. China gave a positive answer to Hasina’s call for Chinese financial aid and technical support for development projects, collaboration in agriculture and power sector. Chinese premier Web Jiabao assured Hasina of an overall backing and support in all areas. The talks can be summed up into five broad issues.

First, issues of international and regional importance were discussed. Stressing on one of the most dangerous issue that is threatening the security apparatus across the globe, Bangladesh PM advocated for concerted steps towards the elimination of terrorism and militancy. Another highly debated issue on the international forum, which was emphasized during her visit, was the issue of climate change. As Bangladesh experiences the rage of nature throughout the year, Hasina called for China’s support in dealing with the challenges of climate change. On the regional front, both the countries agreed to boost cooperation for safeguarding peace, stability and development of South Asia. Underlying the importance of regional cooperation, Sheikh Hasina underscored the need to augment cooperation among the countries of the region, with special reference to both the Asian giants, India and China. Moreover, Hasina also emphasized the need for cohesive efforts to stamp out poverty from the region.

Second, on the infrastructure development issue, China continues to remain a major partner in Bangladesh's economic development venture. In this direction, both the countries signed three major agreements and a MoU comprising Commitment of Chinese Government in assisting Bangladesh in important infrastructure development projects. Beijing also agreed to provide Dhaka with technical and financial assistance for building its infrastructure and industry. China also agreed to cooperate with Bangladesh in the construction of a US$8.7 billion, strategically-significant deep seaport in Chittagong and building a road link between Chittagong and Kunming. China desires to utilize this port as a passage for its southern Yunnan province. Apart from this, the Agreement for Construction of the 7th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge was also signed and a grant was given for the building the Chinese Exhibition Centre.

Third, on the economic front, Sheikh Hasina’s efforts in convincing Beijing, to reduce the trade gap also gained success. As per the Bangladesh government, the trade gap between the two countries was almost US$4 billion as of June 2009. China gave a green signal to duty free access of Bangladeshi products, to its market. It also decided to write off loans given to Bangladesh till 2008 and offered a soft loan to Dhaka. Moreover, agreements on Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement with Adequate Grant and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bangladesh-China Cooperation in Oil and Gas sectors were also signed. According to the media reports, China National Petroleum Corporation signed a MoU with two Bangladeshi groups in this sector. Hasina also invited Chinese investment in "promising sectors" like textiles, machineries, fertilizers, gas and energy, footwear, ceramics, IT outsourcing and healthcare, in Bangladesh.

Fourth, in the agricultural sector, China agreed to continue to lend support to Bangladesh, as the nation has a history of being battered by the fury of nature, in the form of floods and droughts. Sheikh Hasina productively sought China’s cooperation in the areas of river dredging projects, modernizing flood forecasting and warning centers, hybrid rice production technology and in launching and setting up of remote sensing satellites. Besides, both the countries signed the Framework Agreement for Construction of Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory. In regard to the Brahmaputra river management issue, Bangladesh was able to earn appreciation from China regarding its proposed joint management of the river.

Fifth, past records of Bangladesh and China defence cooperation has been very strong. Year 2002 saw the landmark defence cooperation between both the countries. The Sino-Bangla defence pact made China the first country to have broad-based defence cooperation with Bangladesh and it is a chief source of materials and equipment for the armed forces of Bangladesh. Continuing the tradition of strong defence cooperation, Sheikh Hasina requested the Chinese government to provide two frigates with three helicopters under long term loan assistance.

Highlighting the success of the “timely, important and significant” visit, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said that Hasina’s trip to China was “extremely effective and productive and opens up a new chapter of the Sino-Bangladesh cooperation.” The visit exemplified Sheikh Hasina’s excellent diplomatic proficiency in reviving the warmth between the two nations. Adding a new chapter in their thirty five year old relationship, the recent visit was successful in creating a milieu of mutual trust and an opportunity for both the nations to rekindle interdependence in economical and political relations. In addition to this, it gave Sheikh Hasina an opportunity to perform a balancing act between the two Asian giants, in the backdrop of her visit to India in January.

Source:- http://www.ipcs.org/article/china/hasinas-visit-to-prc-in-quest-of-a-comprehensive-partnership-3074.html

CHINESE NAVAL AMBITIONS – CONCERN FOR INDIA?

As Chinese interests continue to amplify, China is reaching out to upgrade its ability to protect its interests beyond the Great Wall. Last year witnessed a three dimensional approach from Beijing to increase its area of influence across land, in the sea and into space.

International concern was triggered by an interview published on a Chinese Defence website. Yin Zhuo, a retired Admiral, now a senior researcher at the navy's Equipment Research Centre, came up with a proposal to set up a permanent base to support ships on anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. This has raised international concern in general and in India in particular that China was preparing to build naval bases far from its shores.

Yin's proposal came in the backdrop of the release of a Chinese cargo ship with a 25 member crew from Somali pirates after the payment of a 3.5-million-dollar ransom. While highlighting the need of an oversea naval base, Yin Zhuo said, "I feel that it would be appropriate if we could have a relatively stable, fixed base for supplies and maintenance."

In support of his argument he stated that the first of the four PLA Navy task forces sent to the Gulf of Aden had to spend 123 days at sea without calling at any port, leading to resupply, medical, and morale problems. He stressed that a naval base would provide Chinese sailors with assured access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and water, as well as communications, repair, medical, and other facilities.

Further he noted that these bases would facilitate the fulfillment of mounting global expectations on Beijing as a global stakeholder. But, he was also quick to assert that he foresaw the need for only a few bases and China did not need to send its navy everywhere.

Although it was published on a Chinese defence website, Chinese authorities were quick to detach themselves from the proposal. Later on, Chinese Defence Ministry clarified that, "An overseas supply base might be an option in the future, but it's not being considered at this time." However, the Ministry asserted that the PLA Navy would continue its existing practice of supporting its Gulf of Aden operations through the use of maritime resupply at sea and temporary access to a French base at Djibouti.

From the Chinese analyst point of view, the need of overseas bases has risen from increasing expectations placed on Beijing, its growing interest in foreign countries, and its ability to protect those interests. Besides, the proposal is in itself an indication of change in the PRC’s existing doctrines. Till date China does not have any permanent base of operations outside its own territory. Yin’s proposal further reinforces the Chinese defense analysts’ arguments on modifying the "no foreign bases" doctrine. However, if media reports are to be believed, China is reportedly interested in establishing naval bases in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand and the South China Sea to protect its sea lines of communication.

From a strategic point of view, owning an overseas naval base near the Middle East and Africa will give China an advantage to exhibit its military might and maintain forward military operations in other military contingencies. The region holds great value for Beijing as it imports much of its oil, natural gas, and other raw materials from here. Moreover, if China is successful in making one overseas base, then the future can witness more such developments

Elaborating on the implications on India if China establishes foreign bases, an Indian analyst Pankaj Kumar Jha, at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, observed that,” If the bases are closer to its coastline then it will have some implications but it would be US which would be more perturbed. India will be disturbed only if the bases are close to Andamans like Rondo, Coco Islands or western coast of Malay Peninsula. More so only bases are not enough, one must have power projection capabilities like aircraft carrier. China does have sea denial and deterrence capability because of nuclear submarines but lacks projection capabilities.”

In response to a question as to how should India counter this threat, Jha said,”To my belief there is no such thinking. But if India has to devise something then it can act on building an axis with Vietnam and Indonesia. One must understand that Vietnam and Indonesia can act as a counter balance to China if India organizes its military diplomacy in a proactive and productive framework. Also with increasing closeness between US and Vietnam as well as Indonesia being an old ally of US this looks feasible. The other option is to closely cooperate with Japan and Australia with regard to naval co-operation, which is very much on the cards.”

Words like expansion and encroachment are not new for the Dragon, but every time it is used it sounds alarm bells around the world and in India. But, the question of China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean remains a serious concern to India.

Source:- http://www.ipcs.org/article/china/chinese-naval-ambitions-concern-for-india-3045.html