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WASHINGTON: China is likely to consider establishing additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a long-standing friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, “such as Pakistan”, according to a Pentagon report.
In its annual report to Congress on “Military and Security Developments in China”, the US Department of Defence claimed that China is looking for countries that have “a precedent for hosting foreign militaries.”
But the report also noted that “China’s overseas naval logistics aspiration may be constrained by the willingness of countries to support a (Chinese military) presence in one of their ports.”
The report pointed out that Pakistan remains China’s “primary customer” for conventional weapons and China engages in both arms sales and defence industrial cooperation with Pakistan.
This includes joint production of LY-80 surface-to-air missile systems, F-22P frigates with helicopters, main battle tanks, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. In June 2014, Pakistan started co-producing the first two of 50 Block 2 JF-17s, which is an upgraded version of the Block I JF-17, the report adds.
“We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters after submitting the report to Congress.
“It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration,” he added.
The Pentagon report also highlights tensions between China and India as a cause of concern. “Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces,” it warns.
In October 2013, Chinese and Indian officials signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, which supplements existing procedures managing the interaction of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, May 16th, 2016
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Comments (62) Closed
May 16, 2016 01:59pm
Our Chinese friends are most welcome.
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May 16, 2016 02:16pm
They are welcome
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May 16, 2016 02:20pm
This report is a way to justify military hardware sales to india in the near future. Soon India will be having all sorts of latest MIL tech imaginable, just as US pours into Israel, Taiwan, and S Korea.
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May 16, 2016 02:23pm
China is most welcome!
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May 16, 2016 02:23pm
Chinese bases in Pakistan will deter Indian Aggression.
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May 16, 2016 02:40pm
The US has hundreds of overseas bases. Why would it be concerned if China wants to build a few of its own bases?
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May 16, 2016 02:41pm
Letting China station few naval ships, including an aircraft career (if they have any) in Gawadar might not be a bad idea at all. Do not give them a large base like US has in Qatar and Bahrain. Chinese presence will be a strong message to the anti-Pakistan intelligence agencies also that are working in the Baluchistan region.
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May 16, 2016 02:51pm
China is all welcome to make a base in Pakistan :-)
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May 16, 2016 02:52pm
Cant understand why US has always cramps when there are bilateral agreements for defence or security. They think that only they have the right to poke nose in everybody's affairs and they should not be questioned by anybody even if they enter in a country unannounced and uninvited.
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May 16, 2016 02:53pm
I don't think there is any serious dispute between china and india. Both are responsible countries and their priorities are business rather than war.
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May 16, 2016 02:55pm
Someone should circulate a map showing U.S bases around the world........over a period of at least 50 years.......a picture is worth a thousand words.
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May 16, 2016 02:56pm
There is no threat to India from China...if there are any border disputes they can be solved in a very little time...it is the dirty game of other countries which push countries like India into death wells...Americans will not let Asia rest in peace...with people like Donald Trump coming in active politics one can imagine what is going to happen in the future...Pakistan in the present conditions not only should get closer and closer to China but must also learn from China the lessons of honesty and success...look at China from a dope country to a super power in a little time as old as Pakistan... Pakistan has only one friend that is China...Long live Pakistan China Friendship...Inshahallah
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May 16, 2016 03:11pm
Whats wrong with this, atleast with China, Pak knows that they will not meddle in Paks affairs unlike other so called partners.
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May 16, 2016 03:11pm
The world is looking at China for every kind of help. US has lost the confidence of many countries. China is trustworthy.
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May 16, 2016 03:20pm
China is progressing peacefully, not attacking any country. China has invested huge money in almost all countries. Don't think China is a threat or will attack any country.
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May 16, 2016 03:25pm
Most of the countries have their bases in friendly countries. US used to have facilities in Pakistan from where Gerry Powers flew U2 spy palne over Russia and was shot down. That was in 1957.
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May 16, 2016 03:33pm
And I am quite sure - and my Pakistani friends will also agree with me - that this will not disturb the delicate balance of Power in the region.
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May 16, 2016 03:34pm
Atleast china is not invading poor defenceless countries and inciting wars to run their war based economy. They invest and develop countries. If to choose sides one will be foolish to go with america bullies.
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May 16, 2016 03:37pm
Pakistan welcome China.. a true friend.
we should provide them with a Naval base as a matter of urgency.
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May 16, 2016 03:49pm
China should be provided anything they want just to show the Americans that Pakistan can throw the spanner in the works. The US wants to contain China, Pakistan will contain India let the games begin.
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May 16, 2016 03:59pm
China has reached its peak and now starts a downfall.China has dispute with many countries like Japan,India,Mongolia,Vietnam etc.Its economy is reducing rapidly .More over they don't have democracy there and people are forced to follow the rule.They are killing Muslims and mixing their breed.They forced Maulvis to Dance and sing and doesn't allow to practice Roje .
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May 16, 2016 04:00pm
Strategically, it makes sense for Pakistan to allow Chinese bases around the Arabian Sea closer to the Gulf.
U.S. has Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain and Command and Control Center in Doha, Qatar, and Air/Army bases in Kuwait. I much rather trust Chinese than the Americans.
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May 16, 2016 04:05pm
US is saying all this as if they have not done all this already. They are the first one and the only one to have used even an atomic bomb on civilians. My "polite" message to US - mind your own business.
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May 16, 2016 04:25pm
For the sake of Pakistan anything with China is welcome...to assure security and stability this naval base with China will prove to be a good decision...The only friend Pakistan has is China..
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May 16, 2016 04:27pm
China is a real threat to the world peace if you look at its past and present you can understand. Its building artificial islands in south china sea and threating the small countries with its military power. It has a record of helping rouge countries like North Korea to obtain nuclear power.
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May 16, 2016 04:29pm
One can say China not responsible for Iraq invasion, destroying Libya, creating mayhem in the Middle East and rest of the world. For not creating Al Qaeda, Isis and all the rest. Not responsible for millions of refugees looking for a honeland around the world. Need I say more. Long live Pak China friendship.
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May 16, 2016 04:36pm
We have seen US alliance very closely for almost 60 years .... We see it across the world... It is a very heavy price any country pays to associate with the US!!
Pakistan has done one thing right... to align with China as a neighbor and friend ... It is time both countries should benefit from this association with mutual respect and honor.
Pakistan's geographical location is pivotal for Chinese goods to flow through it, saving precious time and resources. In turn, Pakistan gains tremendously through infrastructure upgrade to cater for these requirements.
Both parties will jointly protect these assets... Nothing wrong with it!
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May 16, 2016 04:47pm
China is no threat to any country nor does it attempt to pose threat to or interfere in internal affairs of any country as US does. It has been and is always serious for the development of the region to free it from backwardness, poverty and frustration which cause wars and wranglings. The world especially America is scared of Chinese rapid economic advancement.
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May 16, 2016 04:50pm
Welcome to our best & all weather friend China, we share the same concerns. What is wrong if China is allowed to establish a base in Pakistan. The world powers have several bases around the world. Due to the show of arrogance by some the world is heading towards the 3rd world war so what is wrong in strategic planning & preparation.
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May 16, 2016 05:03pm
We will welcome naval bases near Gwadar, Karachi and another one near Hindustan border
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May 16, 2016 05:04pm
America wants to dominate the whole world, but the only obstacle in their way is China.
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May 16, 2016 05:18pm
China and Pak will keep India sorted out for sure
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May 16, 2016 05:22pm
The Balance of terror is most likely to prevail in the whole region because of the fear caused by modern weaponry. Hopefully, this will keep countries at bay from any aggression in the region.
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May 16, 2016 05:27pm
In America the surplus was wasted on 2 wars, in China the surplus was invested throughout the world!
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May 16, 2016 05:39pm
Goodnews Pakistan will not in need to request USA again and again for arms
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May 16, 2016 05:40pm
Thats between pak and china. Whats your prob. How many bases you got around the world. India has it own probs to worry about with rape and 35-60million missing women in its country. Its already got its hands full
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May 16, 2016 05:43pm
There is a big grouping of NATO behind US and china is backed just by just couple of countries. China economy is largely dependent on exports to big countries like US and india so he would not go hostile beyond a certain line. Anyway best of luck to both pak and india on new friends.
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May 16, 2016 06:01pm
Even if pakistan allows a chinese base, which is likely, the US should not be complaining about it.
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May 16, 2016 06:13pm
Well Pakistan and China are close allies thats no secret. China is cooperating and funding a lot of developmental projects in Pakistan. Proposition of placement of chinease Naval resources at Gawadar will be mutually beneficial for both the countries.
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May 16, 2016 06:14pm
And the point is? Did America not recently signed an agreement with India for logistic support?
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May 16, 2016 06:27pm
The USA is preparing for another battlefield.. Just as it did in Europe up till ww2.. Just it what it did in the Middle East.. Now its target is China.. And it's pawn is India.. Pakistan has to complete the CPEC.. It will join us in an iron bond with China and insure us against their Indian-USA alliance..
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May 16, 2016 06:39pm
US is fueling the conflict between India and China. I don't understand why all of a sudden US is so concern about the Indian security? India is a mature nation and we'll not go for a conflict with China to serve the US interest. Plus Indian Chinese conflict will help Pakistan more
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May 16, 2016 07:12pm
@S Patel, Tell this to your government. From the actions of your government it looks India will go to war with China to please US.
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May 16, 2016 07:47pm
If US have bases all over world then why not China also.
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May 16, 2016 07:50pm
US has basis all over world and recently have logistic agreement with India,
so why objection on China
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May 16, 2016 08:57pm
In 1963 there was a Sino-India brief conflict and US pumped in military hardware into India despite Pakistani objection. At that time Pakistan was in SEATO and CENTO defense treaties with US & UK. Of course India used that hardware against Pakistan in 1965.
Now again Pentagon is preparing to pump in military hardware into India. But this time equation has changed and Pakistan has nuclear deterrents. Let us hope peace wins.
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May 16, 2016 09:13pm
Pakistan should ask no questions to China and without any hesitations give all the bases they want. China has been our ONLY sincere friend.
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May 16, 2016 09:39pm
Have a look at US bases around the world
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May 16, 2016 09:44pm
I think USA itself is making it possible for Pakistan to offer China these facilities. The way USA has treated Pakistan after using its full support against Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and lately putting all of its eggs in the Indian basket, it is leaving Pakistan no other possibility than to go with China on full fledged basis.
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May 16, 2016 10:35pm
better China than backstabbing Americans
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May 16, 2016 10:42pm
If China has a base in Pakistan, India will become irrelevant in South Asia.
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May 17, 2016 12:14am
Sooner the better,China is welcome.
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May 17, 2016 02:04am
Indeed it is a good news, a testament to China's commitment to build Pakistan infrastructure both defense and civilian. If US can have hundreds of bases all around the world why not China? We must create better environments for more Chinese capital over and above CPEC.
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May 17, 2016 07:34am
Welcome China. You will find always find friendship and love from Pakistan. Asian friendship is not based simply on "present day interests" but on long term good will.
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May 17, 2016 10:11am
Thi biggest misconception is China is Pak friend. china is investing only for its strategic interest same way it does around the world. China has no hostility against Pakistan because Pakistan very easily ceded Sakshagam valley while the rest of the countries like India Vietnam Taiwan chose to stand against. And then you call China a friend, fear the day when China will colonise Pakistan as they are doing in most of the African countries
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May 17, 2016 06:41pm
Well the way US helping INDIA without Indias any man sacrificing their life like Pakistanis did for War on Terror, they are helping Indians against Pakistan, there US ultimate aim is our destruction via India or itself US will involve one day.
If China get bases here in Pakistan, What's wrong in it infact ideal and needed for Pakistan.
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May 17, 2016 08:20pm
The several letters appearing in appreciation of establishment of one or more Chinese military bases in Pakistan is a testimony of the confidence in Pakistan China friendship. This confidence has come through a time tested all weather cooperations between the two nations. China has never taken Pakistan to roller coaster ride as some other country did, so Pakistan is with China with its heart & soul.
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May 18, 2016 10:19am
@Rohit Singh There is no "misconception" in Pakistan about India being a hostile country that is constantly trying to undermine Pak-China relationship.
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May 18, 2016 01:27pm
Pakistan should declare themselves as one of the province of China. lot of their issues like security and economy will be resolved........
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May 18, 2016 02:24pm
Chinese welcome to build sub marine and other military bases in Gwadar. They are our friends in need. They will never leave us alone if India attacks. Understand Pentagon
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May 18, 2016 02:49pm
This is a cooked story in order to justify the sales of latest Technology to India.
USA cannot fool the world anymore . They have created problem in Iraq , Libya and Syria and now their intention is to destabilize the South East Asia Region.
Syed Naseem Ahmed
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May 18, 2016 04:30pm
@Alex . well the report came from the Pentagon. Ask them.
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