China has announced a significant increase in its annual defense budget, raising it by 7.2% to surpass $230 billion. This surge comes despite a noticeable slowdown in China’s economic growth. The newly allocated budget for defense is more than three times larger than that of Bharat. This decision coincides with heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and China’s persistent refusal to de-escalate.
Focus on Modernization to Deter US Influence
China’s primary motive behind this substantial increase is to modernize its armed forces rapidly. With a two-million-strong military, China aims to deter interference from the United States, particularly in regions it considers sensitive, such as Taiwan. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and seeks to assert control over it.
Concerns for Bharat
Bharat has expressed deep concerns regarding China’s military expansion. Despite China’s declared defense budget, its actual military expenditure exceeds this figure significantly. China’s strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region, including recent military assistance to the Maldives, have raised alarms in Bharat.
Ongoing Military Confrontation in Ladakh
The military confrontation between Bharat and China in eastern Ladakh has persisted for nearly four years. China maintains a significant troop presence in various sectors along the LAC, totaling up to 50,000 to 60,000 troops in the west and central sectors, and 90,000 soldiers in the east. Additionally, China has bolstered its air bases facing Bharat with additional resources and infrastructure.
Challenges Faced by Bharat
Bharat faces several challenges in matching China’s military capabilities. Despite efforts to reduce the asymmetry in border infrastructure, India struggles due to various factors:
Inadequate Allocation for Modernization: Bharat’s defense budget allocates only 28% for military modernization, resulting in operational shortages of critical resources such as fighters, submarines, and air defense weapons.
Lack of Integrated War-Fighting Machinery: Bharat’s delay in establishing theater commands hampers its ability to coordinate effectively in combat scenarios compared to China’s integrated approach.
Lag in Missile Technology and Cyber Warfare: Bharat lags behind in fields like space and cyber warfare, crucial in modern conflicts. China has been investing heavily in anti-satellite weapons and other advanced technologies.
Delay in Naval Expansion: Bharat’s approval for crucial naval projects, including aircraft carriers and submarines, remains pending. This delay is significant as China rapidly expands its naval presence, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
Growing China-Pakistan Collaboration
China’s collaboration with Pakistan poses an additional threat to Bharat. China’s provision of advanced military equipment to Pakistan, including frigates and submarines, suggests an expansion of the collusive threat along both land and maritime borders.
As tensions persist between Bharat and China, Bharat faces mounting pressure to address its military shortcomings and enhance its defense capabilities to safeguard its interests effectively.
Comments