China factoring India in nuclear threat perception; set to double nuke stockpile: Pentagon

Amid turbulent developments between India and China, US Department of Defense has released Pentagon's China Military Report 2020. In its report, Pentagon has ted that India plays a crucial factor in China's nuclear threat perceptions. report has been put forth at a time when China has been taking aggressive measures in crucial areas like Indo-Pacific and South China Sea.

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Pentagon's China Military Report

Pentagon report has laid bare military and security developments undertaken by PRC. report also points out China's nuclear forces' capability which includes its readiness, nuclear stockpile size and capability. It is also estimated that China's military forces will significantly grow in next decade. Moreover, report also observed that India also plays a vital role when it comes to threat perceptions. This comes amid ongoing standoff near Line of Actual Control (LAC). 

already existing stockpile of PRC, estimated to be in low 200s, is expected to be doubled over next decade as China is stepping up its nuclear capability. report also added that China has been pursuing a 'nuclear triad' with development of a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile. In addition, PRC has also been strengning its ground and naval assets for nuclear capabilities. 

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Xi's military ambitions

Apart from detailed assessment of China's nuclear developments, Pentagon report also mentions how China is seeking to set up logistics in dozens of countries. se measures are being taken by PRC to allow its army to consolidate power at greater distances. Three of se logistics projects are being set up in India's three neighbours- Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Or countries where China is considering to set up its military logistics include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, and Tajikistan. 

“A global PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) military logistics network could both interfere with US military operations and support offensive operations against United States as PRC’s global military objectives evolve,” Pentagon said in report.

Meanwhile, Chinese military academics assert that bases abroad can enable forward deployment of its forces and support military conflict, diplomatic signalling, political change, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and training. y also suggest that a military logistic network could enable intelligence monitoring of US military. In August 2017, China officially opened its first military base in Djibouti.

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(With PTI Inputs)