陆战研究中心-新时期中国军事外交及其对印度的启示（英）-2021.10_20页_807kb

Summary of China's Military Diplomacy in the New Era and Its Implications for India

Core Content

China's military diplomacy has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, becoming an essential tool in its broader foreign policy strategy. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is now actively engaged in both traditional and non-traditional security operations, using military interactions to build influence, manage relations with major powers, and promote a "South-South" alliance with non-Western countries. This has had notable implications for India, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Main Points

• PLA's Role in Military Diplomacy:
  The PLA's involvement in military diplomacy has grown since 2004, especially under President Xi Jinping. The focus is on:

  • Managing strategic relations with major powers like the US and Russia.
  • Engaging with regional periphery countries and BRI participants.
  • Strengthening "South-South" ties to counter Western influence.

• Military Exercises and Training:
  PLA participates in numerous joint and combined exercises with countries like Russia, the US, Pakistan, Thailand, and others. These exercises aim to build trust, showcase military capabilities, and serve as confidence-building measures, especially with India and other neighbors.

• Naval Port Calls:
  The PLA Navy has expanded its global presence through port calls, particularly along the Maritime Silk Road. These activities are part of China's strategy to enhance its maritime projection and influence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. China has also established its first overseas military base in Djibouti and is planning new ports in Senegal.

• Non-Traditional Security Operations:
  PLA is increasingly involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, including UN peacekeeping operations and disaster relief efforts. These operations are used to project a peaceful image and enhance soft power, especially in regions with strategic importance like Africa and South Sudan.

• Arms Transfers as Diplomacy:
  China has become a major arms supplier to its neighbors, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, often as part of its BRI and strategic partnerships. This has been a tool to reduce India's influence and strengthen ties with regional allies.

• Implications for India:
  India needs to shift from passive military cooperation to active military diplomacy. It should leverage its military as a diplomatic tool to counter China's growing influence and maintain regional balance. The rise of China's military diplomacy, especially in the context of the BRI, has created new challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Information

• China's Military Diplomacy Growth:
  Since 2004, China has significantly expanded its military diplomacy. Under Xi Jinping, the PLA has been increasingly used as a tool for national diplomacy, including joint exercises, port calls, and arms transfers.

• Regional Engagement:
  China has focused on building relations with countries in Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These engagements are aimed at enhancing its regional influence, securing strategic interests, and countering US and Indian presence.

• Military Exercises:
  PLA has participated in over 300 joint military exercises with more than 60 countries between 2003 and 2018. Russia remains the top partner, followed by the US, Pakistan, and Thailand.

• Naval Activities:
  PLA Navy has been active in the Gulf of Aden as part of the Anti-Piracy Escort Force (APEF) and has expanded its presence in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and Europe through port calls and infrastructure investments.

• Arms Export Trends:
  China is the world's fifth-largest arms exporter. Its arms exports to India's neighbors, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, have been substantial. These exports are often tied to BRI and strategic interests.

• Criticism of Chinese Equipment:
  Despite its growing military exports, there have been reports of technical failures and poor quality in Chinese military equipment, especially in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. This has raised concerns about the reliability of Chinese arms.

• India's Strategic Response:
  India must enhance its military diplomacy to counter China's influence. This includes strategic partnerships, joint exercises, and leveraging its own military capabilities to maintain regional stability and security.

Conclusion

China's military diplomacy is a multifaceted strategy that includes joint exercises, naval port calls, peacekeeping missions, and arms exports. It aims to bolster China's global influence, manage relations with major powers, and create a "South-South" alliance. For India, this has necessitated a rethinking of its approach to military engagement, emphasizing the need for a more proactive and strategic military diplomacy framework to counter China's growing footprint in the region.