The ‘String of Pearls’ is a strategic concept in the context of China’s foreign policy and its vital interest in the Indian Ocean extending from mainland China to Port Sudan in the Horn of Africa.
The term signifies the interconnected trade and military hubs strategically located along sea routes that traverse through maritime chokepoints such as the Straits of Mandeb, Malacca, Hormuz, and Lombok.
The ‘Necklace of Diamonds’ strategy of India counteracts the ‘String of Pearls’ by expanding its presence through calculated partnerships in the Indian Ocean, akin to sparkling diamonds gleaming on a string. Within the Indian Ocean region, both concepts contribute to the larger premeditated geopolitical dynamics, rivalry and competition.
Each pearl in the string is a junction denoting Chinese geopolitical influence or military existence, which spreads from Hainan Island to Gwadar Port. The importance of CPEC and Gwadar Port for China cannot be overstated, as they offer direct access to the Indian Ocean in unceasingly transitioning world politics.
The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ of China is a strategy that seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks to improve regional integration, stimulating economic growth and swelling trade volume. The construction of a deep-sea port at Kyaukphyu on Myanmar’s western coast is currently in progress, while the Marao Atoll in the Maldives has been earmarked as a potential military base as part of the Initiative.
Pakistan’s cooperation with China has the suspicion to weaken its relationships with the USA, given the nuances of international politics.
Although the main goal behind establishing ports and bases in the Indian Ocean is driven by commercial interests, the growing military presence in the South China Sea is a major factor influencing the CPEC and Gwadar projects. Besides, the potential impact of the ‘String of Pearls’ strategy on India’s maritime security may result in a prioritisation of defence and security needs over economic development.
To combat the ‘String of Pearls strategy’ India has developed the innovative ‘Necklace of Diamonds’ tactics that involves encircling China by improving India’s maritime presence and expanding its military bases. The plan involves the setting up of modern ports, the deployment of extensive coastal surveillance radar systems, the acquisition of advanced surveillance aircraft, the operation of airports in neighbouring countries, strengthening of defence partnerships, expansion of bilateral relations with South Asian countries, island nations in the Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asian nations, as well as the conduct of regular military exercises with the navies of the USA, Japan, and Australia.
This calculated approach is to safeguard trade interests, as a significant volume of world trade flows through the Indian Ocean and critical chokepoints such as the Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, and Lombok. In light of China’s strategic manoeuvres to build stronger partnerships with the key allies, India is actively working to improve maritime security and protect trade interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s ‘Look East followed by Act East Policy’ aims to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asian nations and encourage strategic partnerships with countries such as Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The setting up of deep-sea port Sabang, Indonesia near the Strait of Malacca has prompted India’s military partnerships with countries such as Japan, Australia, and the USA to conduct joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean. Another significant development is the project to develop the Chabahar port in Iran, which will provide India with a new land-sea route to Central Asian countries.
The US Navy reinforced by Carrier Groups, known for its unmatched power projection potential and operational strength, stands as the predominant maritime force in the waters of South and Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, China’s aspirations to introduce a fresh security doctrine to rival US supremacy are evident in its increased assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
For Pakistan, the implication of these emerging maritime strategies is significant. Consequently, the development of the Gwadar port is a key element of the ‘String of Pearls’ strategy as a component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz provides direct access to China in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, potentially reducing its dependence on the Strait of Malacca for its energy requirements. However, Pakistan’s participation in these maritime strategies comes with challenges and risks.
Pakistan’s cooperation with China has the suspicion to weaken its relationships with the USA, given the nuances of international politics. Conversely, there are concerns about the economic viability of CPEC projects and their impact on Pakistan’s debt sustainability. As regional power dynamics evolve, Pakistan will need to navigate its relationships with China, USA, India, and other regional countries delicately to promote its particular interests and ensure over-all stability.
‘Whoever controls the Indian Ocean will dominate Asia; the destiny of the world will be decided on its waters’. – Alred Mahan
The writer is a retired Pakistan Army Officer and can be reached at nawazish30@hotmail.com