China's new maritime surveillance network: Should we be worried?
What's the story
China has reportedly developed a new underwater surveillance network to help its submarines navigate and locate targets better.
The network will purportedly help bolster Beijing's influence, protect its interests along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR), and could cover the Indian Ocean Region and the South China Sea, stated a media report.
How does the system help China? Should India be alarmed? Read on.
Context
China's increasing presence in the IOR
China is looking to increase its influence in the IOR to secure its trade and energy routes and transform into a global maritime power.
The Indian Navy has sighted over a dozen Chinese warships, including submarines, destroyers and intelligence-monitoring vessels in the IOR in 2017.
China recently operationalized its first overseas naval base in July at Djibouti, located strategically in the Horn of Africa.
Information
String of pearls
Chinese encirclement, also known as the "String of Pearls", refers to China's network of ports of economic and military significance in the IOR including Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. These are geographically located around India and are supposedly intended to confine India.
How?
How does the new surveillance system work?
The system works through analyzing characteristics of the underwater environment such as temperature and salinity.
This is done through a network of platforms such as buoys, underwater gliders, surface vessels and satellites.
The information gathered is then sent to three intelligence centres located in Paracel Islands (SCS), Guangdong (South China) and a joint facility in South Asia for processing and analysis.
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How does this help Chinese Navy?
The system's ability to assess temperature and salinity at any location/depth along the MSR will be "invaluable," states Yu Yongqiang, a member of the expert-panel overseeing the maritime surveillance network. The system also improves submarines' targeting capability and helps them sail through safer routes.
Analysis
Should India be worried?
The surveillance network can help China keep tabs on Indian naval vessels and bolster its own naval influence in the region.
It would also help the Chinese Navy evade detection from Indian authorities and engage in covert intelligence gathering operations in India's waters.
The system can purportedly help tip regional balance of power in China's favor and give Beijing an edge over New Delhi.