Posted On : Dec 2 2024

Dragon Necklace: Chinese Defence Establishments around the Indian Subcontinent

In recent years, the geopolitical landscape around the Indian subcontinent has witnessed a significant transformation with China's expanding presence in the region. Often characterized as the "Dragon Necklace," China's strategic establishment of defense infrastructure along the Indian Ocean rim has garnered attention and scrutiny alike. This article delves into the concept of the Dragon Necklace and examines the implications of Chinese defense establishments encircling the Indian subcontinent.



The term "Dragon Necklace" metaphorically encapsulates China's strategy of building and fortifying military installations, naval bases, and infrastructure in countries surrounding the Indian Ocean. These establishments serve multiple purposes, including securing China's maritime trade routes, enhancing its geopolitical influence, and potentially countering perceived adversaries, primarily India and the United States, in the region.

One of the key elements of the Dragon Necklace is China's string of naval bases strategically located across the Indian Ocean. These include facilities in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Djibouti (Africa), and strategically located ports in Myanmar and Bangladesh. These bases not only offer China logistical support and maintenance capabilities but also serve as potential dual-use facilities with civilian and military applications.

Gwadar port in Pakistan, often termed as the "crown jewel" of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), holds immense strategic significance. Situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, Gwadar provides China with access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, thereby circumventing the Malacca Strait, a critical chokepoint vulnerable to maritime disruptions. Additionally, China has invested heavily in developing infrastructure connecting Gwadar to its western regions, further cementing its foothold in Pakistan.

Similarly, the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka has drawn attention for its deep-sea capabilities and strategic location along vital shipping routes. Despite facing financial challenges, China has secured a 99-year lease on Hambantota port, raising concerns about Sri Lanka's sovereignty and the potential militarization of the facility.

China's establishment of its first overseas military base in Djibouti marked a significant departure from its traditional non-interference policy. Positioned at the Horn of Africa, the Djibouti base provides China with a strategic vantage point overlooking one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, and facilitates its participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

Moreover, China's infrastructure projects in Myanmar, including the Kyaukpyu deep-sea port and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, further augment its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region. These initiatives not only bolster China's connectivity with the Indian Ocean but also offer alternative routes for its energy imports, reducing its dependence on the Malacca Strait.

However, China's expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean has raised apprehensions among regional powers, particularly India, which views the Dragon Necklace as a potential encirclement strategy aimed at undermining its influence and security. The development of Chinese military installations in close proximity to India's maritime borders has fueled concerns about maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the balance of power in the region.

In conclusion, China's construction of defense establishments around the Indian subcontinent as part of the Dragon Necklace signifies its evolving maritime strategy and quest for greater influence in the Indian Ocean region. While these initiatives offer economic benefits and enhance China's security interests, they also pose challenges to the established regional order and raise geopolitical tensions, necessitating a nuanced approach towards managing maritime competition and fostering cooperative frameworks for regional stability.