US Indo-Pacific Command's chief concerned over China's intent behind military expansion

Head of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John C Aquili on Wednesday expressed concern over China's military expansion which is being termed as largest military build-up in history since second world war. Aquili expressed apprehensions over Beijing's larger aircraft carrier programmes while speaking at an Observer Research Foundation event on " India-US Partnership: Securing 21st Century" in New Delhi.

"Entire Chinese way forward with regard to military expansion, largest military build-up in history since WWII, both conventional and nuclear in all domains. I don't think I will try to explain what ir intent is but trying to understand ir intent is a little concern," said Admiral Aquili.  He said that Chinese aircraft carrier programme has seen largest growth and what y intend to do with much larger carriers is definitely a matter of concern. 

India concerned over increasing nuclear arsenal of neighbours

Aquili also went on to say that articulation of defensive capabilities is what world continue to hear and it has also been seen that words from People's Liberation Army do t meet ir deeds, which makes things more worrisome. However, Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat also expressed India's concerns over increasing nuclear arsenal of rrn as well as western neighbours.

During event, CDS Rawat said that India is surrounded by two neighbours which are armed with strategic weapons and refore New Delhi evolves its strategies accordingly. He also urged countries across world to come in support to fight global war against terrorism. "I think, if any kind of support can be forthcoming from coordination, in at least identifying terrorists and getting some intelligence input to fight this global war on terrorism, I think that would be welcomed," he added. 

'India fully prepared to counter any terrorist activity' 

Expressing concern over prevailing situation in Afghanistan, General Rawat said that India was concerned about how terrorist activity from Afghanistan could overflow to India and country is fully prepared to counter it. As per a report by ANI, Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising Indian Ocean and western and central Pacific Ocean, including South China Sea. However, besides having overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, China claims sovereignty over almost entire South China Sea. 

(With ncy inputs)

Im Credit: @indiannavy/Twitter/AP