A Pentagon report released on Tuesday singled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, as it forecast that Beijing would likely build more bases overseas after establishing a facility in the African nation of Djibouti.
The prediction came in a 97-page annual report to Congress that saw advances throughout the Chinese military in 2016, funded by robust defence spending that the Pentagon estimated exceeded $180 billion. That is higher than China's official defence budget figure of $140.4 billion.
Chinese leaders, the US report said, appeared committed to defence spending hikes for the “foreseeable future,” even as economic growth slows.
The report repeatedly cited China's construction of its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, which is already home to a key US military base and is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal.
“China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan,” the report said.
Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China's 'string of pearls' of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
The report did not address India's potential reaction to a Chinese base in Pakistan. But Pakistan, the US report noted, was already the primary market in the Asian-Pacific region for Chinese arms exports. That region accounted for $9bn of the more than $20bn in Chinese arms exports from 2011 to 2015.
Last year, China signed an agreement with Pakistan for the sale of eight submarines.
Quantum satellite, cyber hacks
The Pentagon report flagged Chinese military advances, including in space and at sea. It cited China's 2016 launch of the first experimental quantum communications satellite, acknowledging that it represented a “notable advance in cryptography research.”
As in past years, the Pentagon renewed its concerns about cyber spying, saying US government-owned computers were again targeted by China-based intrusions through 2016.
“These and past intrusions focused on accessing networks and extracting information,” the report said.
“China uses its cyber capabilities to support intelligence collection against US diplomatic, economic, and defence industrial base sectors.”
In a section discussing Chinese Navy, the report predicted that China's first domestically designed and produced aircraft carrier would likely reach initial operating capability in 2020.
Beijing 'opposes' Pentagon report
Beijing, however, “firmly opposed” the Pentagon report, saying that Chinese government was a force for safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying declined to comment on possible overseas bases but said that China and Pakistan were close friends that conduct "mutually beneficial cooperation" in a variety of fields.
While talking about the country's operating overseas defence projects, Hua said the bases were there to improve navigation safety and assistance for fishermen as well as "to safeguard China's independent sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a legitimate right of a sovereign state.”
“We hope the US side will put aside the Cold War mentality, view China's military development in an objective and rational manner, and take concrete actions to maintain steady growth of the military relationship between the two countries,” Hua said.
Comments (75) Closed
USA has gone nuts. Hypothetically speaking, even if this prediction comes true, whats wrong with that?? People of Pakistan won't mind a small joint naval presence, since some body has to protect the sea lines under OBOR, who else is gonna protect those strategic lanes except Pakistan and China. The countries around this port e.g. Iran,Oman etc. won't mind it either. So chill USA and think of a way to get rid of the joker in white house
Modi has rightly said china has not fired a single bullet across border with india in last 40 years .a well behaved neighbor better than america who is organisingly targeting one islamic country after other, example latest qatar .
US has overseas bases in many countries of the world. If China is rising and creating its military bases in other countries, what is the harm? It is part of international system that powerful countries expand their military and strategic presence. Yes, Pakistan and China have long term strategic interests and if Chinese decide to set up a military base at Gwadar, there is no issue.
Naturally friendship can not be oneway. Being a small country Pakistan has to look around always the changing situations in the sub-continent.,
India already knew it and the counter move will be in place if the ground situation is confirmed.Until now the report will be take note of as the physical move is already under scrutiny.
Pakistan really needs to take a look where it is headed. I mean is it really any good when your countries name is being taken alongside countries like Djibouti? Not to mention that you need to realise that there are only 2 countries in this world which China so vehemently supports - North Korea and Pakistan. We all know what condition is North Korea in.
Not sure why, but people of Pakistan are still not worrying about their nation's sovereignty. You people are literally giving away your own homeland in Chinese hands. The whole drama of CPEC will end soon when you would have to pay back your loans. Chinese only think about their own interests. Stop saying it as Friendship again and again. In the international affairs, there is nothing called as Friendship.
China is our reliable and great partner. Presently, it is helping our country by making huge investments.We are very very thankful to it.
Friendship up to the level of business is okay but military bases should not be allowed. This may have grave consequences.
Please do not make Pakistan a battle ground for super power rivalries.
@SAAF GO, Too late for that. China is not Saudi Arabia. Once you are under China's debt you will have to do what it wants you to do. Period.
@SAAF GO - Yes, the chinese would ask you before they take permission from your defence forces to go ahead. But then the finance minister at that time would explain the situation as untenable as the loan repayment would be impossible without converting the loan to equity in the form of port ownership. Dont believe me? Google Hambantota Port or Sri Lanka's chinese debt problem
@Asit - Very True.
Whatever is good for our security shouldn't be a concern for our friends...
I don't think pakistan has any other way to go, it's small country with small economy and no biggies are supporting it.. in it's fight against india, other then china. All of them have their own interests..
China is being a friend, india is an enemy of china and it wants to contain india growth. US wants to be friend of india, because they have a business interest, and so is rest of the world.
I think in next 2-3 years kashmir will be at center stage of world.. because western countries will support india and pakistan will be supported by china.
I feel pained thinking about kashmiri's because their lives are lost, and kashmir has no leader to present their problem to india and pakistan.
@SHALWAR KAMEEZ FAUJ True that ..for the better south asia pak should be a strong sovereign democracy and it should not allow other nations to dictate terms.If pak fell into the trap , be it china / US any other nation in that case then it would become another afghan. A Battle field for the powerful nations.No Third nation apart from own citizens would care for the welfare of country. There are no free lunches in the world so BEWARE.
Ok so now world understands indian concerns over BRI which makes participating countries as Chinese colony . But looking at current economy situation of pakistan it looks like pakistan does not have any option rather than accepting whats coming from china.
Pakistan do not consider its relation with China and America as zero sum game. While America is now partner in this so called war on terror, China has been Pakistan long time strategic ally. Just like Pakistan didn't raise any concerns about growing American and Indian strategic and military relationships which recently culminated into military logistic agreement, Pakistan would expect America to show maturity towards Pak-China relationship.
If true, this is a NOT a positive development in a partnership which has been presented as a commercial business initiative. The aspect of military bases should be subject to approval by public/parliament.
So far the friendship with China is what FM Ayub Khan says"Friends not Masters". Pakistan friendship with China is higher than Himalaya and sweeter than Honey. Recently an installment for interest on Bond was paid by China.Those referring to Djibouti Port or Sri Lankan Port are speaking beyond facts, after all our Gwadar Port is also used by China,Russia,and many other nations,no big deal. Ofcourse due to friendship the Chinese influence in Pakistan may further grow, but that influence will remain within the comfortable ambit of mutual interest and coexistence.Nothing to worry about please.
We are still paying the price for allowing US to camp here who has used us for their rivalry. Pakistan has enough capabilities to guard its border and interest and there is no need to allow any other country to make their base here. We respect friendship but with dignity. The democratic system, judiciary and defence readiness will ensure safeguarding business interest of Chinese here. We must repeat the past mistakes again.
China and Pakistan have mutual interest and region......... with this venture US felt bipassed. They need some issue in this region and other parts of world to keep themselves busy. If US would have mind her own business world would be a better place.
So if US can have bases all over the world, why can't China? Double standards. And who cares what India thinks if China has a base in Pakistan. They should mind their own business.
this cpec china is going to be same as SEATO ,cento by USA in 1960 .that time in 1960 all Pakistani ppl were jumping over that same like today on cpec
That is the real apprehension. The way Pakistan is becoming gradually tagged with China in a one sided economic activity, really Pakistan will not have the courage to veto any Chinese proposal. The military base in Pakistan may be one of these proposals.
@Asit "Once you are under China's debt you will have to do what it wants you to do" It's so moving to see our neighbors so concerned for our well being. They leave all their important duties to remind us about Chinese intentions fifteen time a day, each of them, on every news mentioning China, We are sure that they will come running to bail us out when we'll be trapped under Chinese loans. The speed with which India is progressing, if we believe them, it will have more wealth than rest of the world combined, by the time the loan will be due for repayment. India would already have a dominating position over China (being the IT center of the universe). So should we worry?
Pentagon is worried about Pak China growing relationship. Pak China zindabad
@Liahoskan WAZIR Just think, why did not this friend count you when it was growing all these years?
Friendship happens in between equal partners , not master & slave.
Not only bases, soon enough Pakistan will become a territory controlled and administered by China...Just wait for a few more years.
@Rajeev don't worry about Pakistan, we have been dealing with indians and Chinese for 70 years. We know what is in our interests, and who our friends and enemies are. CPEC is going to become the word that causes heartburn in a billion people. Don't worry the project continues till 2030, you will be sick of hearing about it!
Lets introduce mandarin in our schools instead of Arabic. It will be more useful anyways.
@Asit 70 years ago Jawaharlal Nehru said Pakistan would collapse within 6 months, and seek to rejoin india. What you are showing is the indian mentality regarding Pakistan has not changed one iota.
Pakistan is emerging as a strong and powerful country, and you have not seen anything yet!
Will that be controlled be COAS of Pakistan or prove to be a challenge to the COAS?
@Rajeev Unfortunately India and it's hostile policies is pushing Pakistan in Chinese direction. Indians are so fixed in trying to damage Pakistan and trying to create hate against Pakistani public that they have lost sight of over all picture. Chinese are taking advantage of the situation and Pakistan has no choice to forge close relatiinship with China in order to protect themselves from a much bigger and eternally hostile India.
Yes ! Every citizen, will welcome the idea of Pakistan agreeing to a Chinese Naval base in Pakistan. China is a " Tried &Trusted Friend ", it has always come to Pakistan's aid in the hour of need. Not like some major powers, who use and abuse Pakistan at will, when it suits there interests. A Chines Naval base, will benefit our Navy, with joint training and sea operations. LONG LIVE PAKISTAN CHINA STRATEGIC FRIENDSHIP
China all set to closely work with Pakistan. The future effect, watch and see.
Chinese base in Pakistan is in our national interest. There are lot of benefits to gain from this.
A good move by Pakistan. India can not touch them as long as the chinese friends are with Pakistan.
Chinese citizens in Pakistan also need and will need protection. Since India is a problem for both Pakistan and China, Pakistanis should be comfortable with Chinese military bases.
Pakistan taking a good move by offering military base to China. In past it was US now china
what is wrong in china having a military base in pakistan ? Let them have a naval base also so that Pakistani waters will be protected.
@SAAF GO Not just Pakistan brother, but the rift between India and Pakistan is giving magnified opportunities to countries like China and US to exploit our needs. The government of both the countries sees it,understands it but won't take a step to check it. Hope India and Pakistan get a wake up call soon. The more deprived you would be, the more entangled you'll get.
@SODAWATERBOTTLEOPENERWALA
True...China might not have fired a single shot but then Pakistan is the fulcrum to fire its proxy bullets...and all are aware why it needs N.Korea as well
@tp China wants Pakistan to be India's enemy.This is part of a larger game plan.The day Pakistan and India bury their differences China will change and become aggressive against both as its plans will be foiled.Think about it. South Asia ie Pakistan India should be under titular Lordship of China
@jawaid The hand of help shown to Pakistan by China is long term view by China but unfortunately its acceptance by Pakistan is short term vision by its inept leaders!! Pakistan's new generation should understand the danger behind this and respond. Else they will be another Philippines of 2050!!
China should set up militery base in pakistan. It increase influence of pakistan on china.
It is natural. Both are allies and having common interest.
Excellent news for the security of Pakistan, China always has been a trustworthy and reliable partner.
india has always known that slowly china will have military bases in pakistan. this was one of the reasons that india opposed cpec among other things
It's better if we make Mandrin compulsory from the KG itself...
When US can have the bases for 70 years in Pakistan then why can't China?
@ZAK : Will that be controlled be COAS of Pakistan or prove to be a challenge to the COAS..
The COAS will be speaking Chinese too.. better learn Chinese language fast..
@Akram I would love to see Pakistan as a peaceful and prosperous nation than strong and powerful
China should set up bases in Karachi, Lahore and Gwadar. India is too strong and without Chinese help we will not be able to hold them even for a day.
@lafanga Do you have any idea what you are talking about?
@Jogi Shah Agree with you.
@Sher well said
Well said
@Akram Ok. Ok. I get it.
US and Saudis wants to deal with Pakistan through one window operations and that's where the problems start, so please leave Pakistan alone for sometime.
@Anupam I never knew a country by same name exists. Learnt something new.
With such huge investments and under the guise of protecting their interests, it is the only way.
Over dependence on USA and funds wont be needed. China has exceeded and replaced US. So it has to be one boat alone.
Chill guys, it's inevitable and no one can do **it about it. Superpowers size up each other, move assets and do what's necessary. Smaller nation's just join the chorus then pray to be saved. Humanity is a disaster to begin with. Say your prayers
WHY NOT ??? When USA can have bases in countries who they think are their friends, so where is the issue on China doing exactly the same as USA does ??? Once upon a time USA also had a base a Badaber in KPK; When they betrayed the trust and used it to fly out U2 planes on spy missions on USSR ; That is when Pakistan asked them to pack up and leave;
@jawaid it's not an investment it's a loan that you will be paying back with 17% guaranteed interest
@Sher Well said, Sher.
@jawaid you do realise that the funding they have given isn't for free? The interest burden will hurt the ordinary Pakistani sooner than later when your taxes go up. Iron Brother is a shrewd businessman who doesn't mix friendship and money matters
@Aleem It is not true. India and Pakistan are separate nations bound by a common history, language, emotions, culture, food. In fact everything is so common that they are like twin brothers. Neither India/America or Pakistan/China has anything common that India/Pakistan have.Unfortunately Kashmir problem has drifted two twins so far apart that by every passing day the drift is getting wider. I hope sanity will prevail that they will either settle for status quo or for an amicable solution so they can live in peace and leave a better future for coming generations. If this not happens then the perpetual cycle of hate and violence will continue and make life hell not only for themselves only but for coming generations too. The time and choice is the essence here.
Its amazing to see Indians telling Pakistanis how Chinese foothold in Pakistan will be bad fkr Pakistan. The truth is if China does get to control Pakistani bases, it will be more secure for India. China's focus is business. They will not support non-state actors and will not let Pakistani military establishment to undertake any unnecessary adventures. India will also be in check as fight with Pakistan will be indirectly a fight with China. Indian focus is economy and business. I think both countries will prosper with bigger presence of China in Pakistan. India should welcome it. Once both countries are prosperous and trading heavily, peace will be much sought after by all. Win-win situation for all. Dear Pakistani friends, prosperous Pakistan is in India's benefit...just like stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan's benefit
Doesn't need Pentagon to predict this
China is a very close neighbor of ours. It does not have any history of committing atrocities in its foreign policies and dealings. It helps its friends economically. We have nothing to fear from China if it likes to open some military facilities on our land. It may rather act as a check against countries having hegemonic designs on our country. We should welcome this Chinese initiative.
@Nitin G great answer..what a logical response..
Chinas business will be like another East India Company. Pakkatan will be under Chinas infulence and dabt that, It will have to sold herself and become battleground for world. As a true Indian and brother, and having shared 5000 years of history, I do not want to see this. Wake Up brothers. Do not get trapped again like we did in past!
Pakistan soon will be known as a Chinese occupied nation.Business is ok but investing more than their defence budget in another country is quite suspicious.Looks like when Pak govt will not able to pay the debt,Chinese will take over the control of Pakistan with the help of the military.