China’s ‘String of Pearls’ Strategy in Myanmar: Is India’s Manipur the Next Target?

Naypyidaw: Myanmar has been battling civil war for a long time. Myanmar, which has become a battlefield, has the Arakan Army and other rebel groups on one side and the junta regime's army on the other. The ongoing anarchy in Myanmar is also affecting neighboring countries like China, Bangladesh, India. At the same time, countries like China are trying to use the instability of Myanmar for their own benefit and to harm India. This is posing a threat to the security of India's northeastern region. Intelligence agencies have warned India about China's growing influence in Myanmar.

According to a CNN-News18 report, intelligence agencies have warned that China's growing influence in Myanmar is becoming a major threat to India. States like Manipur are especially sensitive, where there has been unrest for a long time and these are China's targets. Agencies say that in view of China's aggressive activities, there is a need for strict monitoring on the 1,693 km long border between India and Myanmar.

China is installing radar systems

China has installed state-of-the-art radar systems (LPAR, Large Phased Array Radar) in Yunnan province bordering Myanmar. With this, China can keep an eye on the entire region. In doing so, China is increasing its economic and political dominance in Myanmar along with military activities, causing instability in the region. China's economic influence in Myanmar is already very high. Trade between the two countries is more than $ 2 billion. In contrast, trade between India and Myanmar is $ 1 billion.

China's influence in Myanmar goes beyond economic aid. It is actively involved with Myanmar's military junta and also provides arms to armed groups like the Arakan Army. That is, it is playing its game on both sides. This increases instability in the entire region, which can have the most impact on Manipur. It also weakens initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which largely depends on peace and stability in Manipur.

Plan to surround India

China's strategy is based on the String of Pearls theory. Under this plan, China is trying to surround India by creating a network of allied countries and strategic bases. These activities provide China with alternative routes to reach the Indian Ocean while avoiding the Strait of Malacca. Increasing Chinese influence in Myanmar means less influence of India. This can neutralize India's Act East policy.

Intelligence agencies say that the effect of China's influence in Myanmar is clear in Manipur. Myanmar-based groups like UWSA have had old ties with Indian militant groups. With China's growing influence, the movement of arms and fighters across the border will increase further. Top intelligence officials believe that it is important for India to take care of its interests in Myanmar.