Army chief: China using weaponisation of supply chain to expand its influence

General Pande interacting with participants at the conference. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

In his address, speaking about the markers of the rise of China, Gen Pande said, “China’s rise as a political, technological and military power has accorded it a new hierarchical position in the world order, which it intends to lead. China’s strides as a political powerhouse are evident in its pursuit for a much larger seat at the high table. Brokering of peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran and putting forth the Chinese 12-point peace plan for ending the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict is reflective of a Chinese urgency to replace the US as the global net security provider. Today China stands as the largest economy in purchasing power parity terms. On one hand, it is building an international network of coercion through predatory economics while on the other it claims pulling out more than 100 million of its own people out of poverty. Its pursuit to expand the sphere of influence through economic maneuvering, weaponisation of resource supply chains, financing large infrastructure projects with scant regard for environmental and safety standards and straddling recipient countries with unsustainable debt, are there for the world to see.”

Speaking about China’s military rise and increasing use of Artificial Intelligence, Gen Pande made reference to China’s 2019 Defence White Paper, which propagated fighting and winning intelligentised wars. “It is also prudent to recognise China’s grey zone actions which involve kinetic and non-kinetic forms of assertiveness and coercion, aimed at achieving strategic goals without provoking a conflict. Selective historical referencing, intelligent obfuscation of reality using legal framework and exploiting technological prowess in cyber and information operations are some of the common tools in the Chinese playbook,” the Army chief said.

Speaking about the current situation in the context of China, Gen Pane said, “The most important aspect remains our legacy challenges of our unsettled and disputed borders. Pockets of disputes and contested claims to territories continue to exist due to differing perceptions of the alignment of the line of actual control. Transgressions remain a potential trigger for escalation. As you all know, we have agreements and protocols from 1993, 1996, 2005 and 2013 in the military domain to maintain peace and tranquillity on the LAC. Concerns remain over the violation of these by China with their attempt to carry out transgressions across the LAC. The boundary issues cannot be divorced from bilateral relations.”

He added, “Indian Army’s strategic orientation and long-term capability development has been with the focus on the northern borders. We have adequate reserves and are prepared to deal with any contingency. Our preparedness remains of a high order and troops continue to deal with the PLA in a firm, resolute and measured manner while ensuring the sanctity of claims.”