Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
There had been 'perceptible improvement' in India-China relations, but 'China
has embarked on an ambitious programme of modernization of its armed forces.
There have been reports to the effect that the Chinese have now significantly
upgraded their equipment in many spheres of military equipment'. China was
providing weapons to Sri Lanka 'which have enhanced the fire power and
mobility of the Sri Lankan armed forces'. 'Sino-Myanmar relations…in the field
of military equipment continued to grow'.
4
India's 1994-95 defense report stated that while Indian-Chinese relations had
been improving and both countries were focused on internal development, 'Some
relevant factors also deserve mentioning. Beijing is engaged in building strategic
road links from its border towns to rail-heads and sea ports of Myanmar. It is
helping to develop these ports. China has also been rapidly modernizing its
armed forces and [is] equipping them with sophisticated aircraft, air defense
weapons, and enhancing its blue-water capabilities'.
5
According to the 1995-96 report, China continued its extensive defense
collaboration with Pakistan and was known to be associated with Pakistan's
nuclear program. 'The acquisition by Pakistan from China of sophisticated
weapons systems, including missiles as well as uranium enrichment equipment,
has a direct bearing on India's security environment'.
6
The 1996-97 report stated flatly, 'China has supplied M-11 missiles to
Pakistan and is aiding it with technology and manpower as well in the
development of its indigenous missile programme'. It added: 'There are also
credible reports about China continuing to assist Pakistan in its clandestine
nuclear weapons programme'. 'India's concerns regarding China's defense co-
operation with Pakistan, its assistance to Pakistan's clandestine nuclear
programme, and the sale of missiles and sophisticated weapon systems by it to
Pakistan, were conveyed to the Chinese side. The progress that China has made
in the recent years in augmenting her nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities will
continue to have relevance for India's security concerns'.
'Upgradation of China's logistic capabilities all along the India-China border,
for strengthened air operations has to be noted', the report said. 'China's posture
in the South-China Sea has implications for the region'. China's 'strengthening
defense relations with Myanmar need to be carefully watched, in view of the geo-
strategic location of Myanmar'.
7
The 1997-98 Indian defense report stated that 'India is conscious of the fact
that China is a nuclear weapon state and continues to maintain one of the largest
standing armies in the world. Its military modernization is rapidly transforming
the technological quality and force projection capabilities of its armed forces in all
aspects'. China's assistance to Pakistan's nuclear weapons and missile programs
'also directly affect India's security'. India was 'aware of military collaboration
between China and Myanmar, including the development of strategic lines of
communication'. India would engage China in discussions that 'address all
