A 'responsible China' needs some overseas military bases
- Part 1 -

Puyam Rakesh Singh *

Manipur School of International Studies (MSIS) Discussion Paper No. 3
The Manipur School of International Studies (MSIS) is an online study forum conducting research on various trans-national issues, foreign policies, security threats and cultural exchanges in the neighbourhood of Manipur. The forum was established with the objective of studying the major developments taking place in the world especially in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, China, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.

China's rise has brought concerns as well as constructive results. Even the US has called for more responsibilities on the part of China to maintain stability and peace in the world. In 2005, then deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick of the US urged China to become a 'responsible stakeholder'. Though the debates on what makes a nation a responsible stakeholder is inconclusive, some concrete steps or contributions must come forward from countries which have the potential and capabilities to sustain a healthy international system, security and stability for common interests.

In the words of Bates Gill (2007), there is need for a 'process of mutual accommodation and dialogue on overlapping interests' between China and the US. It could be the reason why the Chinese leadership is talking about a 'new type of major power relations'. With international image and reputation becoming a major issue in the course of China's rise, Beijing has been contributing and shouldering responsibilities with commitment.

However, China does not want to act against its national interests in favour of the title of a good player. One can give many such examples where nations have acted rightly or wrongly to safeguard their own interests. China is not the odd one in the system. The reform in Myanmar has indications of Beijing's constructive role. No doubt China established her influence in Myanmar and has strong leverage unlike any other nation.

At present, Beijing has reservations on some issues while willing to act, in accordance with the wishes of other major stakeholders, on some other issues. Notwithstanding, China is fast changing as an international actor. While addressing the UN General Assembly on 29 September 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced major commitments: a donation of $1 billion over the next 10 years to create a peace and development fund; a new standby peacekeeping force of 8000 troops; military assistance worth $100 million to the African Union for peacekeeping missions in the continent.

Furthermore, the Blue Sky Search and Rescue Team can be well-equipped and empowered with training and skills for missions across the globe. They did commendable services in Nepal and Myanmar. A combination of heavy lift military transport aircrafts of the PLA and Blue Sky Search and Rescue Team can be another major contribution to the world bombarded by series of natural disasters.

What forced China to join the anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden? In short one can say her maritime and overseas interests. However, one cannot deny the importance attached to China's image as a responsible power. Reviving the old topic, China's participation in the anti-piracy operation generated an age-old debate over setting up of overseas military bases. China took the decision to have one in 2015. In fact, the Communist Party of China denounces major powers maintaining overseas military bases as hegemonic.

The party has reiterated its anti-hegemonic position by referring to China's lack of foreign military bases and non-interference. However, the military strategists had a different take of the changing situation. The debate went on for quite some time. In this regard Shen Dingli said: 'Setting up overseas military bases is not an idea we have to shun; on the contrary, it is our right'. He was well-informed of the logistical problems associated with military operations in peacetime as well as other crises.

Such bases to 'protect overseas rights and interests' are acceptable under international laws and regulations. Here, for China, the UN is a major pillar of legitimacy to deploy Chinese armed forces abroad. Other than the sensitive territorial and maritime issues including the East China and South China Sea disputes, Chinese armed forces are not beyond the shadow of the UN flag wherever they are stationed today. Will China face another 'Uniting for Peace' resolution over the Korean Peninsula?

If China is making efforts to increase its friends in the General Assembly, one cannot argue that the idea of liberal democracy is alien to the Chinese minds. Number matters in communist China too. This practice raises some interesting questions in regards to the setting up of military bases.

As of now, China has expressed her concern about maritime interests and security of developmental interests. Above all, the land reclamation in the South China Sea Islands is not a separate topic anymore. Infrastructure developments on the Paracel and Spratly Islands are to be seen together with Djibouti military base. They are scattered parts of China's comprehensive plan to secure the vital shipping lanes.

Recently, China conducted test flights on the Fiery Cross Reef airstrip (now turned into an island) to test the runway and other infrastructures while claiming it to be the southernmost airport of China. By building a 3-km long airstrip on the man-made island after land reclamation, China has definitely sent a message to the world that it means business when China talks.

Another major project under construction is filling station and storage tank on Woody Islands in the Paracel Islands. The new airstrip on Fiery Cross Reef (artificial island) and increasing military presence will lessen the 'Malacca Dilemma' to some extent. Beijing opens the door to maritime cooperation with other countries while increasing its reach beyond the offshore. The powerful anti-ship missile capability, submarine warfare and modern surface vessels will make any adventure against China's eastern coast a very costly game.

The energy pipeline passing through Myanmar and the proposed Kyaukpyu special economic zone (SEZ) on Kyaukpyu Islands in Rakhine State of Myanmar will have their contributions to Chinese navy's Indian Ocean strategy. Transporting crude oil from the Middle East through the oil port and storage tankers on the Made Island will enhance China's commitment to anti-piracy operation and maritime patrol.

The oil pipeline and the SEZ have the potential to grow further into a major energy cooperation project for South, Southeast and East Asian countries in near future. If energy resources are vital to the economic growth of China, securing the transport routes with the help of powerful navy and maritime cooperation are necessary. This is something that China thinks she cannot neglect.

Though China has policy to challenge other powerful navies in the distant seas, Western Pacific Ocean and the vital sea lines of communications (SLOCs) of the Indian Ocean will have increasing Chinese attention and presence. The principle 'we will counter-attack if we are attacked' will follow in the open seas too. The armed forces of China have been tasked for 'offshore waters defence' and 'open seas protection'.

In 2011, for the first time, Chinese PLA navy's frigates and IL-76 military transport aircraft evacuated Chinese nationals from the conflict-ridden Libya. The evacuation of the Chinese citizens from Libya and Yemen by sending naval warship and military transport aircraft is unprecedented.

To be continued ...