PLA Modernisation
Apr 29, 2008
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Post winter relief, China sets off for the Olympics surge; Beijing"™s new airport terminal opens.
A thrust to modernize the PLA in all aspects evident, as a call for increase in defence budget made for the first time publicly in PLA Daily as per Reuters. |
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China 100 Year Vision
Apr 29, 2008
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China"™s long term vision of greatness and strategy to achieve national goals was evident with an important article by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao entitled, "śOur Historical Tasks at the Primary Stage of Socialism and Several Issues Concerning China's Foreign Policy" which provides an overview of Chinese policy in the years ahead |
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INDIA FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES
Apr 29, 2008
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123 Agreement: Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
An Agreement that accords the status of a nuclear power to a country, provides leeway to keep one thirds of its nuclear reactors outside the purview of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), precludes signing of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is guaranteed nuclear supplies for peaceful purposes by 45 nations should be a win-win treaty in all respects. The Draft 123 Agreement, which was released to the public on 3 August is perhaps one such treaty which ironically became the subject of intense debate and discussion in India as well as in the neighbouring countries Pakistan and China. |
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INDIA'S DEFENCE BUDGET 2007 2008
Apr 29, 2008
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India's Defence Budget : In China's Shadow?
An increase in defence outlay of Rs 10,000 Crore (Over US $ 2 billion) by India"™s Finance Minister Mr P Chindabaram evoked cheery response from most defence watchers including the Defence Minister Mr. A K Anthony. The Finance Minister fell short of the Rs 100,000 Crore target ($ 23 billion) anticipated by many analysts by Rs 4000 Crore($ . 8 billion). The surrender of Rs 3000 Crore ($ .6 Billion) during the current financial perhaps prevented Mr. Chidambaram from meeting this landmark. But soon India"™s Defence Budget was to be overshadowed by China"™s which was almost double the size. |
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SINO INDIAN BOUNDARY TALKS A REVIEW
Apr 29, 2008
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There is an apparent change in the Indian government policy on the Boundary issue with China with adoption of the principle of, "śgive and take" as opposed to 1962 Resolution of the Parliament. The 11 th Round of talks between National security advisor M.K. Narayanan with China"™s vice-foreign minister Dai Bingguo held during the month are thus said to have been held in a more "positive" environment. |
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China Gwadar and Amphibious Warfare
Apr 29, 2008
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China is set to enhance its amphibious warfare capability, an ample warning to Taiwan by purchasing six heavy hovercrafts. These are the 540 ton Zubr LCAC which has speeds in excess of 60 knots, operating range of 300 nautical miles and can carry up to a battalion worth of troops capable of independent tactical missions or three 50 ton tanks denoting a troop. Six crafts will provide the PLA a capability to easily deliver a brigade worth combat power in an area of its choosing. |
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China Winter Chill : PLA Emergency Response Tested
Apr 29, 2008
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Winter brings doom with heavy snowfall, sleet and winds in large parts of China.
PLA mobilizes 300,000 troops and almost 1.1 million reservists to provide relief, even as Lunar New Year holidays affected due to breakdown in transportation and infra structure |
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DEFENCE POLICY AND PLA
Apr 29, 2008
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The main stay of People Liberation Army modernization has been supply of Russian equipment. Thus there has been a steady flow of Russian aircraft, frigates, submarines and even hovercraft to Beijing over the years. A recent report in the Ria Novosti however indicated that this special relationship was undergoing a change despite the largely successful exercise Peace Mission 2007 involving Russian and Chinese troops along with other Central Asian militaries |
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Sino Indian Relations in 2006
Apr 29, 2008
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January 2006
2006 is the Year of India-China Friendship. On 9 and 10 January extensive talks were held in the Second round of strategic dialogue between India and China in Beijing. The Sino "“ Indian confabulations were carried out by Indian Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran and Chinese Vice Minister Wu Dawei over two days to build up what the Chinese Premier had stated a few years back, "śstrategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperit |
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CHINA TERRORISM IN XINJIANG
Apr 19, 2008
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The Chinese claim to have killed 18 terrorists and arrested 17 supposedly of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in a hide out in Kesilafu, Akto county Kizil Kyrgyz Autonomous Zone. The population in the area is mixed, Tajik, Kyrgyz as well as Uighurs. The area is remote with a large number of coal mines and people still living in caves. Some reports also indicate that this was a coal mining criminal syndicate rather than terrorists of the ETIM which have been eliminated. |
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Global Energy Trends
Apr 19, 2008
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Global Oil Price – Trends
It is anticipated that oil price in 2007 will fluctuate in a wide range from $ 50 to $ 70 in 2007. The Finance Minister of India , Mr. P Chidambaram indicated that speculation by the oil cartel was depriving the country of 1 % of its GDP due to uncontrolled fluctuation in the prices. The oligopoly of oil producing countries is known to resort to speculation thereby placing oil dependent countries as India at a disadvantage. Earlier Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar as the petroleum minister had proposed a Sino Indian oil bench mark on the lines of Nymex and London Brent to challenge speculators mainly based in the West. However the Minister could not pursue this idea |
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MYANMAR : JUNTA’S BEIJING AXIS
Apr 19, 2008
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MYANMAR : JUNTA’S BEIJING AXIS
Key Trends
Beijing gives extended support to military junta in Myanmar. Chinese presence in Myanmar is reported to be extensive particularly in North Myanmar.
UN sees a role in national reconciliation in Myanmar with Chinese assistance.
Karen guerrillas strike in the country killing over 27.
Instability and resource curse could lead to Myanmar emerging as another hot spot on the South Asian periphery. |
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Engaging Myanmar Challenges and Prospects
Apr 19, 2008
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Myanmar : Steep Path of Engagement
Key Trends
Aung Suu Kyi meets State Peace and Development Council emissary for the third time and is allowed to meet NLD party leadership for the first time. However remains distrustful of the path for reconciliation. |
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Regional Balance of Power in South Asia
Apr 19, 2008
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China ’s Geopolitical Qualms
The World frequently speaks of China’s geopolitical ambitions. Beijing’s foray into Central Asia through the mechanism of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and participation in Peace Mission 2007 was discussed only last week. China is also active in other multilateral forums in East Asia. The East Asia Summit is China’s window to its neighborhood which is zealously protects with a hawk eye. On the other hand the Chinese have been assuming a greater role in ASEAN and also in the South Asian economic configuration of SAARC. |
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