China Sees U.S Think Tank Report As “Baseless Threats”, Deems It Misleading

Chinese state media issued a warning, claiming that a well-known American think tank article about the military applications of China’s scientific research across the Indian Ocean provided “ammunition” to nations determined to concoct Chinese threats.

In an editorial, the state-controlled tabloid Global Times they were stated that the report released this week by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington comes during a time when certain nations must develop a ‘China threat’ narrative in the Indian Ocean region and offers them with ammunition.

The report’s timing is highly delicate, the statement reads, considering that China and the Maldives are strengthening their relationship following President Mohamed Muizzu’s election. Sri Lanka has lately barred foreign research vessels from using its ports, including those from China.

The CSIS study tracked data from four years of deployments by China’s civilian oceanographic and energy research vessels, concluding that the effort would partially back the Chinese navy’s need to project power into the area. Chinese oceanographic research may have benefits for science and business. Still, it may also be vital for the People’s Liberation Army to broaden its operational reach and capabilities in the Indian Ocean, the statement stated. The U.S., its allies, and critical regional players such as India suffer severe challenges due to this expansion.

According to spokesperson Mao Ning of the Chinese foreign ministry, China’s maritime scientific research complies 100% with The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mao said they hoped the relevant parties would refrain from speculating via coloured glasses and instead have an objective view of China’s marine scientific research activities. Reuters revealed China’s many military weaknesses last month, highlighting its dependence on oil shipments via the Indian Ocean despite its navy’s lack of air cover and a complex base network.

The Global Times also defended current research projects, claiming that China and its regional partner countries had been studying the region’s natural environment without ill intent. The Indian Ocean happens to be one of the least understood waterbodies by the scientific community. One of the leading causes is the lack of sufficient on-site observations.

Reference: MarineLink

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