Singapore, May 29: A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies says China’s key maritime vulnerability begins at the Strait of Hormuz rather than the Strait of Malacca, creating a new zone of strategic competition in the Indian Ocean involving China, India, France and the United States.
Released ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, the report argues that the Indian Ocean Region is once again becoming a major strategic theatre after decades of relative stability.
It says China’s heavy dependence on imported energy transported through the Indian Ocean has increased Beijing’s security concerns and exposed vulnerabilities that rivals could exploit during a conflict.
The study challenges the widely discussed “Malacca Dilemma,” which focuses on the vulnerability of Chinese trade through the Strait of Malacca.
Instead, it argues that China’s strategic weakness starts farther west at the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of its oil imports pass before reaching East Asia.
Any disruption in the waterway could severely affect China’s economy and energy security, as well as other Asian economies dependent on Middle Eastern energy supplies.
The report highlights recent naval exercises involving Iran, China and Russia in the Strait of Hormuz shortly before regional conflict disrupted shipping and energy flows.
It notes that China faces greater difficulties operating in the Indian Ocean because the region already hosts strong military powers such as India, France and the US.
To reduce its vulnerabilities, China has expanded defence ties with Indian Ocean countries through military exercises, security cooperation and infrastructure investments.
However, the report says Beijing still lacks the extensive military presence enjoyed by India, France and the US, all of which maintain strong regional partnerships and bases.
The study concludes that China is likely to deepen its military role in the Indian Ocean as its economic and security interests expand, with aircraft carriers expected to play a growing role in protecting vital sea lanes. (PTI)
