PM spells out India’s position on China
I n a recent interview to Newsweek, the Prime Minister, discussing Indo-China relations, commented, “For India, the relationship with China is important and significant.
Expressing concern over China's massive military build-up, a top US intelligence official has told lawmakers that the Communist nation will continue to pursue an "active" foreign policy, especially in the Asia Pacific region, to expand its strategic and economic influence.
Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Worldwide threats on 23 May that China viewed a strong military as a "critical element" in advancing its interest.
"China will continue to pursue an active foreign policy, especially within the Asia-Pacific region. Highlighted by a firm stance on competing territorial claims in the East China Sea and South China Sea, relations with Taiwan and its pursuit of economic engagement across East Asia," Coats said.
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"China, which views a strong military as a critical element in advancing its interest, will also pursue efforts aimed at fulfilling its ambitious One Belt, One Road Initiative to expand China's strategic influence and economic role across Asia through infrastructure projects," Coats said in his testimony.
Echoing Coats, Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defence Intelligence Agency said China was in the third decade of an unprecedented military modernisation programme involving weapon systems, doctrine tactics, training space and cyber operations.
"It now stands firmly in the category is a near pure US competitor. New bases are being built in the South China Sea, and evidence suggests that these outposts will be used for military purposes," he said.
A key component of China strategy for regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention in a conflict in the region, Stewart said.
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