Analysis On The Military Presence Of PLA Navy In Indian Ocean

A growing number of Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden have posed a great threat to Chinese ships and crew there since the 21st century. Hence, Chinese government decided to engage in naval escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in December of 2008. On the platform of escort missions, Chinese navy enhanced anti-pirates exchanges and cooperation with other powers. Meanwhile, the Chinese navy fleets made friendly visits to various ports in Indian Ocean regularly. Furthermore, PLA Navy frequently showed up to deal with emergencies in Indian Ocean such as searching for Malaysia Airline flight MH370. In short, it has been a significant phenomenon that Chinese navy actively involved in affairs of Indian Ocean.This thesis analyzes the operations from four aspects, which are the backgrounds, the sorts and characteristics of the operations, the influence and problems. To understand the backgrounds of Chinese navy carrying out missions in Indian Ocean, the thesis discusses in three levels. They are geopolitical level, regional security level and China's national strategy level. By observing into PLA navy's operations in Indian Ocean, the thesis sums them up in four sorts:escort and anti-pirate mission, calling and friendly visits, protecting Chinese citizens overseas and humanitarian aid operations. These four kinds of operations have some common features. First, they are military presence but to a limited degree. Second, they focus on dealing with non-traditional security threats. Third, they are applied as a method of military diplomacy.PLA navy's operations in Indian Ocean are of enormous significance. It can be analyzed in two levels including regional level of Indian Ocean and national level of China. To the Indian Ocean Region, China makes efforts to supply regional public goods which are helpful to the security and stability of Indian Ocean. As to China itself, the operations become effective methods to safeguard its overseas interests. However, these operations have brought some problems indeed. One is the problem of logistic supporting to the fleet. The other one is that the military presence has resulted in other countries'concern.As China is maintaining a steady economic growth and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road are being built in Indian Ocean, the overseas interests of China will expand at a rapid pace. On the other hand, the whole world expects China as a global power will take more responsibility in the future. Consequently, China will make much more efforts to develop its blue water navy. A more confident and constructive role PLA navy will play on Indian Ocean. Certainly, this limited military presence will still be confined to some degree which will not break the military balance in Indian Ocean region. And Chinese navy will apply itself to establishing international trust with other powers via communication and cooperation.