US Intelligence Sounds Alarm: China’s Military Bases Near India Spark Security Crisis!

Washington(The Uttam Hindu): A recent US intelligence report has once again raised alarms over China’s expansionist policies and its growing strategic challenge to India. The report identifies China as India’s primary rival, while viewing Pakistan as a manageable security concern.

According to the report, China is reportedly planning to establish military bases for its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—countries that lie close to India’s land and maritime borders. Experts warn that such a move, part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, could severely threaten India’s security and increase China’s military presence in the Indian Ocean region. Despite border tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries agreed in October 2024 to withdraw troops from two disputed areas in Eastern Ladakh. While this has eased tensions somewhat, the border dispute remains unresolved.

The report also highlights India’s focus on counterbalancing China by strengthening bilateral defense partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, including joint military exercises, arms sales, and intelligence sharing. India is also actively participating in multilateral forums such as the Quad, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and ASEAN to enhance its strategic position.

Pakistan continues to modernize its nuclear arsenal with China’s support and remains focused on cross-border conflicts with India. Following terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2024, India launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. The report notes Pakistan’s aggressive stance on Kashmir and its reliance on China’s military and economic backing. India maintains defense ties with Russia despite reducing new arms purchases, continuing to depend on Russian equipment and spare parts. Meanwhile, India is pushing its “Made in India” initiative and recently tested advanced nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and inducted its second nuclear-powered submarine to bolster its strategic capabilities.