Ultimately the truth has come out that the China-Pakistan tie up was not only for economic reasons but to spread the Chinese defence prowess. The setting up bases in Pakistan is the crux of the relation these two countries have. And it may not be that far slowly Pakistan will vanish and Chinese influence would be more. India has to be cautious over the development. As Chinese coming such near especially on the maritime front through Gwadar was earlier also a matter of concern and now setting of defence bases means directly or indirectly China is tightening its grip in the region as it has much in stake in terms of the port-project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China is expanding its access to foreign ports to pre- position the necessary logistics support to regularise and sustain deployments in the “far seas”, waters as distant as the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. China’s construction of military base in the strategic location of Djibouti is just the first of what will likely be an ongoing expansion in friendly foreign ports around the world. Notably, China is developing the strategically located Gwadar Port in Balochistan, which many experts say is aimed towards having a military presence. This initiative, along with regular naval vessel visits to foreign ports, both reflect and amplify China’s growing influence, extending the reach of its armed forces. China’s expanding international economic interests demand for the PLA Navy to operate in more distant maritime environments to protect Chinese citizens, investments and critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC). China uses PLA engagements with foreign militaries to enhance its presence and influence abroad, bolster its image and assuage other countries concerns about its rise. These accesses give the PLA a deep into foreign military practices, operational doctrine, and training methods. China under the garb of anti-piracy is spreading its wings in the Indian Ocean region which would be a cause of worry for India as its maritime operations are concentrated in this region; so India too needs to bolster its naval presence.
