China's Reaction to Increased Indian Navy Patrols in Western Indian Ocean

 The Diplomat published on 10 February 2024 a commentary titled "What Does China Think About India's Increased Anti-Piracy Patrols Amid the Red Sea Crisis?" by Andrew Orchard, US Navy officer.

Ten or more Indian Navy ships with reconnaissance aircraft now patrol the western Indian Ocean.  Between $235-240 billion worth of India's annual trade passes through the Red Sea.  While Chinese experts understand the importance of Indian Ocean SLOCs to New Delhi, they are skeptical of New Delhi's intentions and see the increased Indian naval presence as an effort to control this region.

China Increasing Military Engagement in Africa

The Russian government news service, Sputnik, published on 11 July 2018 an article titled "China Bolstering Africa Expansion by Selling Arms to the Continent."

The article contains surprisingly frank quotations from Chinese specialists on China's intention to increase arms sales across Africa even if it means squeezing traditional suppliers out of the African market.

In a complementary piece, CNBC posted on 27 June 2018 an article titled "China Says It Will Increase Its Military Presence in Africa" by Nyshka Chandran.

The article reports that China has especially increased sales of small arms and light weapons in Africa, including in conflict zones where Western suppliers have been more inhibited.

China and Security Issues in Africa

The China Institute at the University of Alberta and several other Canadian organizations held a conference in Ottawa on 20-21 September 2012 titled "China and Canada in Africa: Interests, Strategies and Africa Perspectives." I was asked to provide a scene setter on peace and humanitarian issues for one of the panel discussions.

My remarks covered China's security interests in Africa, engagement in peacekeeping, counter-piracy operations, arms sales to Africa, Chinese disaster relief and Chinese nationals under pressure in conflict zones. Click here to read the remarks.