China is interested in having a firm hold in the Indian Ocean for expansion of commerce. A sub-text of this plan is to keep India under pressure so that it may not be able to challenge Chinese activities. This plan was unveiled by China in “Peking Review” in September 1984 by a Chinese Vice-Premier. The plan included connecting the outlying provinces with Myanmar’s and Pakistan’s ports. In accordance with this plan, China has systematically established ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Chinese activities in the South China Sea also deserve to be kept in view. Chinese creeping occupation of features in South China Sea is continuing and is sending its patrol boats to areas claimed by it as also in East China Sea where it is claiming Senkaku Islands of Japan. The Chinese have re-organised the Coast Guards for this purpose and are focussing to enhance their naval force. The dominance of South China Sea is a part of Chinese grand strategy to reach to the Indian Ocean. While use of Indian Ocean for commercial purposes is their legitimate desire, it needs to be seen that their activities do not create security problems for India.
