Chinese Troops and Turkish Military Band to Participate in Pakistan Day Parade: ISPR

ISPR, on Monday, announced that Chinese troops and Turkish military bands will participate in Pakistan Day parade which is to be held on 23rd of this month in Islamabad.

DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor stated that Chinese Army troops will arrive in Islamabad to participate in Pakistan Day celebrations. A Turkish military band will also participate in the parade.

The parade is organized by joint staff headquarters in Rawalpindi, which oversees the three armed forces of Pakistan.Pakistan in 2015, held its first Pakistan Day parade after a hiatus of seven years. The display of pageantry aimed at showing the country has the upper hand in the fight against terrorists as the nation reeled from the worst militant attack in its history as 142 children were killed an army-run school in Peshawar.

The decision to invite friendly countries in national day parade is a significant move by Islamabad in the context of Indian diplomatic overtures to isolate Pakistan in the international community. This is not the only occasion when Pakistan is going to use its military diplomacy to thwart the perception of being isolated globally. Last year, Pakistan held international PACES multilateral military games in Lahore in which troops from 16 nations participated

Nucleus of Indian Foreign Policy: Isolating Pakistan & Beyond!

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US was yet another vivid display of Indian foreign policy which is being driven by the Hindutva-inspired ultra-nationalism and hegemonic mindset where Pakistan is being considered an ultimate challenge in Indian ambitions of becoming a regional power hence needs to be dealt with.

While addressing to joint session of the US congress on 8^th of June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it crystal that the idea of isolating Pakistan, under the pretext of harboring terrorism, is the nucleus of Indian foreign policy but that is not the only objective India is eying as far as “fixing” Pakistan is concerned. India wants world against and at war with Pakistan. The text of Modi’s speech leaves very little to imagine other than that, this has become ‘the strategic’ goal of India. 

Inching Towards Showdown

By Tariq Niaz Bhatti

Recent elimination of Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, Amir of Afghan Taliban in a Drone strike speaks of US administration frustration in the ongoing protracted war in Afghanistan. Reportedly it was daylight Drone attack but a close look at the scattered evidence on the site of incident, tells a different story, a mismatch to the official version. But alleged drone strike vindicates the US unilateralism; the reluctance to be bound by rules made for others. The New World Order and its enforcement requires Imperial US power to be used to secure economic, political and military gains and ward off security threat to its economic and military interests all over the globe. Hence, the US forces are found operating in Syria and Iraq to recapture the areas lost to self-proclaimed Jihadist groups like ISIS and are planning to send troops in Libya to stabilize the security situation there.

Chabahar Port- A joint Iran- India Initiative to Outsmart Gwadar

By Tariq Niaz

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran in late May and signed a series of twelve memorandums of understanding (MOU) which centered upon the Iranian Port of Chabahar. In addition to bilateral MOUs, PM Modi also signed a trilateral transit agreement with Iran and Afghanistan which allows Indian goods to reach Afghanistan through Iran. The expanding Indian economic cooperation with Iran reflect on its changing foreign policy initiatives in the fast evolving geopolitics of the region and its response to much hyped China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and development of Gwadar Port in Baluchistan. 

India's Maritime Strategy: Fishing in Troubled Waters

 

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

India has finally decided to fish in troubled waters of South China Sea in order to showcase her maritime power projection capabilities. According to media reports, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet has sailed out, on 18th May, on an "operational deployment" to the South China and North West Pacific. This operational deployment is significant development in the contentious geography of South China Sea which has become hotbed of strategic maritime competition between China and the US and her allies. 

"Zarb-e-Azb is Not Only an Operation But a Wholesome Concept", Gen Raheel Sharif

BY NewsDesk

Pakistan Army chief, Gen. Raheel has declared that operation Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Op Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption.", he said. He was addressing to a seminar held at a hotel here in Gawadar.

Pak-China Joint Air Force Exercise 'Shaheen-5' Begins

By News Desk

China's air force on Saturday began joint training exercises with that of Pakistan, China's defence ministry said, as the two nations' militaries strengthen operational ties. The military drill, code-named “Shaheen (Eagle)-5” began on April 9 in Pakistan and will continue till April 30.
“China’s Air Force hopes to widen the scope of cooperation and dialogue with all countries and regions,” the Chinese Ministry of Defense statement said in a statement quoted by Reuters. 

 

As far as the composition of participating units, no details  where offered by Pakistani or Chinese side. Considering the respective components from the both sides in the previous exercises it is prudent that both sides will deploy front-line fighters along with force multipliers (AWACS and Air Refuelers).  The exercise will continue next three weeks.
Last year’s Shaheen-4, featured fourth-generation fighter jets and bombers as well as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The PAF alone participated with three different types of frontline fighter aircraft from different squadrons (likely the JF-17 Thunder, Dassault Mirage III/5, and F7 PG fighter aircraft).
The PLAAF and PAF have held Shaheen series exercises on regular basis since March 2011. The second training exercise took place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in western China in September 2013, the third was held in Punjab, Pakistan, in May 2014.
Speaking to Reuters, the PAF second-in-command, Air-Vice Marshal Muhammad Ashfaque Arain, said that the PAF heavily relies on its fleet of around 70 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets in its anti-terrorist operations in Pakistan. Whether any F-16 aircraft will participate in the training exercise is unknown. In February, the United States finally approved a possible of eight additional F-16 Block-52 fighters to Pakistan in a deal valued at $699 million.
Earlier, this Monday, the PAF also inducted 16 upgraded JF-17 Thunder Block II combat aircraft during a handover ceremony in Kamra, also known as Aviation City, the center of aircraft manufacturing in Pakistan. And now the chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has said that Pakistan is going to produce 24 JF-17 Thunder fighters in 2016 after achieving the milestone of producing 16 in 2015.

China Watches Closely the Legal Battle Between FBI and Apple

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

The legal battle between FBI and Apple Inc. has raised new questions about the aftermath of this case on global scale. These questions are going to affect the way technology giant will provide its services to millions of customers around the world. Fundamental question Shadowing the standoff between the FBI and Apple over access to an encrypted iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers is: What China or European nations will do if Apple accept the Washington's demand? 

Pakistan Army Will Pay Every Price To Make CPEC Reality: Gen Raheel

By Shahzad Masood Roomi
“We are aware of all the campaigns against CPEC and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality,”

This was stated by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday while he visited the HQ of newly raised Special Security Division (SSD) in Pakistan Army which has been given charge of security responsibilities of CPEC projects.

COAS was given a detailed briefing over raising of the force and the security threats faced by the CPEC project. Gen Raheel, after briefing, instructed SSD to take all possible measures to make all CPEC related projects secure including the security of work force involved in the projects.

Pakistan's S-20 Submarine Deal: Is It Enough to Restore Maritime Balance of Power?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

On 23rd July 2015, Pakistan took a big step forward in order to strengthen the  

According to media reports Pakistan will buy 8 Chinese made S-20 conventional attack submarines in a multi-billion dollar deal that will boost Pakistani navy's subsurface capabilities.

Sources claimed that an agreement was reached here during a meeting between Pakistani finance minister Ishaq Dar and Xu Ziqin, president of state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Limited (SCOC) which is the trade arm of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. The reports of submarines deal was in the air since the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April and now it looks like that a considerable progress has been made.

Final approval of the deal is subject to a high level review in Beijing and a formal agreement would signed afterwards. Pakistan would make payments in four installments and the delivery of the vessels would commence in coming years.

"Financial arrangements to this effect were also concluded," it added indicating that both the parties have agreed on the most concerning part of the deal as far as Pakistan is concerned.

The statement issued by Finance ministry quoted Mr. Xu thanking Ishaq Dar for his contribution in concluding the arrangements, saying it was reflective of the "deep-rooted" China-Pakistan friendship.

It was reported then that the contract could be worth US$ 4-5 billions making it  the biggest arms export deal for Communist China and Pakistan Navy as well.

Pakistan has been negotiating the purchase of submarines from China since 2011. No details were, however, given about the type of the submarines. But there have been reports that Yuan-class Type-041 diesel-electric submarines were being considered.

S-20:

First unveiled during IDEX 2013, the international defense exhibition held in the United Arab Emirates, S-20 was introduced as not merely for domestic demand but also for export on international market.

Though is is based on Type 041 Yuan class, there are clear differences between these two. S-20 is essentially an export version of Type -041.  S-20’s length is 66 meters against 73-75 meters of Type 041. But this is most probably due to the fact the S-20 comes without AIP module of Type-041 which can easily integrated if a customer requires thanks to modular design of S-20. Pakistani S-20 will come with AIP system installed. Similarly, surface displacement (1,850 tons) and submerged displacement (2,300 tons) are considerably less than Yuan's surface displacement. Maximum speed is also a bit slow at 18 knots against 20 Knots of Yuan while the cruise speed is similar to Yuan at 16 knots, range is 8,000 nautical miles at 16 knots, endurance is 60 days. Crew is one area where S-20 looks better than Yuan as it has a crew of 38 versus 58 for the Yuan. 

Despite these specifications, S-20 promises solid performance as a sub-surface combat naval platform. It is double hulled with maximum submerging depth of 300 meters. It is equipped with variable frequency hydro-phonic detection device and towed sonar. Non details are available regarding weapons on board but understandably its weapon package would include heavy torpedoes and anti-ship missiles from six torpedo tubes and deploy mines and special forces. 

S-20 Deal And Assessment of Pakistan's Maritime Security Challenges:

For Pakistan Navy, the threat matrix is multi-dimensional. Indian Navy is gearing to become a Blue Water Navy. Apart from air craft carriers, IN is inducting medium to heavy guided missile destroyers. Security & Threat Matrix has done a detailed analysis of IN surface fleet here. To give the readers a clear idea, a brief extract is being reproduced here.

"Today, Indian Navy is operating 'Rajput' class (5000 tons), 'Delhi' class (6700 tons) and Kolkata Class (7400 tons) guided missile destroyers along with number of guided missile frigates. First two classes of ships are of conventional design and offer very little to no capability to evade enemy ships tracking them in open sea. Rajput Class destroyers (INS Rajput, INS Rana, INS Ranjit, INS Ranvir, INS Ranvijay) are Russian built. In late 1970s, after scrapping British built R Class and Hunt Class destroyers, the Indian Navy initiated ‘Project-15’ to design and build indigenous destroyers later to be known as 'Delhi' Class. The project was executed by Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL). It took some 20 years for MDL to deliver first ship (INS Delhi) to Indian Navy for commissioning in 1997. Subsequently two more ships (INS Mysore and INS Mumbai) were built and commissioned in Indian Navy in 1999 and 2001 respectively. Having influences of both Soviet and Western ships, Delhi class can operate in complete Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) environment. The ship is equipped with Kh-35 'Switchblade' anti-ship missiles (Range 130 Km) and its air defense system is being upgraded with Israeli Barak-1 SAM system (Range 32 Km).

As a fellow up of the Delhi class, Indian Navy in May 2000, MDL began work on Project-15A. This was the evolution for Indian shipbuilding industry and major aspect of new project was inclusion of stealth features in the ship design. While pursuing that, more than 2000 modifications were made in Delhi class design. After these modifications, a new class of Indian destroyers (Kolkata Class) emerged. Kolkata class incorporated the latest technologies in sensors, weapons and navigation controls of the ship. Main weapon is Indo-Russian supersonic BrahMos cruise missile (2 x 8 cells). In air defense role, the ship would be fitted with Israeli made Barak-8 SAM system (Range 70 Km). 32 of these missiles would be carried in VLS launch magazine. Israel also provided main sensors and processing systems for this class of ship. The first of Kolkata class was commissioned in August 2014." 

Keeping in mind these IN projects, (which are not limited to these guided missile destroyers but also include procurement of more Scropene class subs from France) it is only prudent to ask if S-20 is enough to restore maritime balance of power which has dangerously tilted in Indian favor? It might be said that India is pursuing blue water navy dream to counter China as a partner of the US in Washington's Asia-Pacific Pivot strategy and her preparations are not targeted against Pakistani maritime interest. But in reality is bitter revenge of South Asia's geography that Pakistan cannot stay unaffected by the ongoing strategic maritime power projection competition Indian Ocean between China and, US and her allies.

Keeping in mind the sheer size of future Indian surface fleet and weapons and sensor system on board, it is obvious that Pakistan must reconsider the number of S-20. Pakistan currently has only 3 conventional attack submarines (Augosta 90-B) which can pose some threat to IN assets during a conflict. 

Pakistan needs to establish a submarine force of more than 20 ships along minimum 4 medium weight (5000-7000 Tons) guided missile destroyer armed with naval version of Babur cruise missile. Induction of CM-400AK in PAF, is not enough particularly when IN vessels will be armed with medium range Barak-8 SAM, jointly developed with Israel. Induction of this SAM system is another obvious proof that IN is moving towards becoming a Blue Water Navy. 

The seawards threats posed by IN must be mitigated by enhancement of PN in all departments (surface, sub surface and air). Relying on a single platform would certainly jeopardize the entire national defense. The most critical factor is time. The longer national leadership would take to assess these threats harder it will be to deter them. Time to act is NOW!    

Why China Is Not Panicking Over Declining Growth Rate?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Why China is not in panic over a declining growth rate when India has surpassed it this year as fastest developing economy with more growth rate? Media debate, particularly in India, suggests that India is finally there where it is going to overtake China as fastest growing economy. But, what does this news tells us in real terms about the balance of two economies?

First of all, this is a misconception often caused by considering GDP growth with actual size of GDP. Chinese GDP size is 3 times the Indian GDP size. China now accounts for more than 15% of the global economic output, nearly triple what it was a decade ago. It will take India at least 3 decades before catching up to Chinese GDP size and that too if Chinese economy suffers a severe setback which is not going to happen not in foreseeable future and there are multiple reasons for that.

Secondly, China enjoys a massive trade surplus. It export goods worth much more than what it imports. So, naturally there is no reason to panic. This is the most simplistic answer.

But the wide-spread economic overtures made by China, away from home, are the real reason why the Beijing is calm. The most important of these came fore recently, when IMF gave acceptance to Chinese currency as global foreign reserve currency along with US Dollar, EU Euro, UK Pound and Japanese Yen. This development is going to play a critical role in future dynamics of world economics as now it is believed that China will bring more liberalization and transparency in its economic affairs which intrun will further help China to pitch herself as credible economy. 

As per BBC, the IMF chief said the Yuan has met all existing criteria for becoming a global foreign reserve currency. The decision will take affect till October 2016. According to IMF chief, this is "an important milestone in the integration of the Chinese economy into the global financial system." Inclusion of Yuan in IMF's SDR basket will pave the way for Chinese economic growth abroad as well.

We have already talked about the huge news of IMF accepting Yuan as global foreign reserve currency. This is going to change the global economic order. Countries, who previously were dependent on US or Western foreign reserve currency will now have the an Asian alternative for maintaining their foreign exchange reserves.

When the US and almost all the noticeable powers of Europe have indulged themselves in never-ending wars in Middle East, China is quietly expanding her geo-economic outreach. China has opened a new era of China-Africa cooperation and common development during the recent visit of President Xi to South Africa where he and heads of state and government and representatives from about 50 African nations, adopted a declaration and an action plan for cooperation in the next three years. To implement this cooperation, China and African nations would be focusing on implementing 10 major cooperation plans covering the areas of industrialization, agricultural modernization, infrastructure, financial services, green development, trade and investment facilitation, poverty reduction, public health, people to people exchanges, and peace and security. Despite the fact that Indian economy has grown more (7.4%) than that of China's (7.0%) but it is still far behind than the Indian government's target of 8.5%. Indian economy will not grow with that rate even in 2017-18.

It is obvious from this analysis that China is not in any kind of pressure as far as her economic competition with India is concerned. Though China will have to open up its economy more in order to get it integrated with rest of the world, there certainly are signs that China is about to transform its geoeconomic strength into far reaching geopolitical strength which in return would play key role in expansion of Chinese economic outreach to other parts of the world opening new venues for Chinese investments. 

Korean Peninsula: South Agrees To Talk to North

(News Desk)Finally, some good news from Korean peninsula as South Korea has accepted the proposal of talks which was put forward by North Korea. This is first inter-governmental contact between the two sides after August when both sides singed truce agreement after lots of diplomatic efforts.

According to media reports, South Korea did send proposals, in September and October, for continuation of talks which were supposed to be the follow-up of earlier meeting of both sides in August.

August Agreement is critical because this is first treaty between the two states after March 2013, when North Korea announced to scrap all non-aggression treaties and agreements with South Korea.

On Thursday, the North's official KCNA news agency said the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, which handles relations with the South, had sent Seoul a notice proposing the November 26 meeting. 


"We have accepted", an official of Unification Ministry of South Korea told media in Seoul.

Experts believe that it is isolation of North Korea in the region which has forced Pyongyang to revisit her aggressive posturing, towards South Asia, after Seoul pulled smart foreign policy maneuvers in the last two months.

Seoul placed itself closer to Pyongyang's main diplomatic and economic ally China, and improved her strained relations with Tokyo as well.

Earlier this month, the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan held their first summit for more than three years in Seoul.

Relations with Beijing are critical for the North Korea as it is already under the UN sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear program. And, now China along with South Korea and Japan has made it clear that nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is something Beijing cannot approve. The message was loud and was listened well in by North Korea's powerful National Defence Commission and hence triggered this counter proposal to Seoul which has been now accepted.

Latest Scuffle Between China and the US

(IHS Jane's) The Pentagon has confirmed that an "unsafe" encounter occurred in mid-September when a US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted by Chinese fighter aircraft over the Yellow Sea.

The latest incident follows one in November 2014 when a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Shenyang J-11B interceptor performed what US officials called a "dangerous" manoeuvre close to a US Navy Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft in international airspace off Hainan Island in the South China Sea.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Washington, DC, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook confirmed that a RC-135 was intercepted on 15 September by a pair of Chinese Xian JH-7 fighter-bombers in international airspace over the Yellow Sea.

Cook added that the intercept happened about 80 miles east of the Shandong peninsula, and that "one of the manoeuvres conducted by the Chinese aircraft during this intercept was perceived as unsafe by the RC-135 air crew" although he stressed that there was no indication that a near collision had occurred.

The intercept was originally reported by the Washington Free Beacon website, which described the JH-7 as having "crossed very close" to the nose of the RC-135.

Analysis:

With global power transformation acceleration, the existing global power is reacting to the overtures being made by inspiring global power. US and Chinese strategic interests are heading towards a collision course with the rise of Chinese military power. The US is desperate of keep an eye on Chinese development along the entire Pacific Rim of Indian Ocean but Chinese are now openly confronting such US moves.Question remains if any of these two major economies and militaries can afford such head on collision? Whatever may be the outcome of any such eventuality for both of these, it certainly would be catastrophic for the entire Asia.

Wing Loong II: Latest Chinese Armed Drone

A new version of Chinese Wing Long high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UCAV has emerged according to IHS Jane's website report.

This iteration of Chinese armed drone is closet to the American RQ-9 Predator drone but still it is far inferior to the latter one.

"While almost identical in size, their performance differs - most likely due to their respective engines. While the MQ-9 has a maximum speed of 482 km/h and can reach a maximum altitude of 50,000 ft (15,240 m), the WingLoong II has a maximum speed of 370 km/h and can reach an altitude of30,000 ft (9,000 m).

They also differ greatly in their external payload. The MQ-9 is credited with an external payload of 1,400 kg while the Wing Loong II can carry 480 kg.", Reported Jane's website report.

ANALYSIS:

Though inferior to its US counterpart, this Chinese drone is yet another indicator that now Chinese are deep in power projection capabilities and arms export competition with Americans and Russians. Already, China has become third largest exporter of arms in international market but unlike the US and Russia, its market share is very low. 5% against 31% of the US and 27% of Russia (according to

"TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL ARMS TRANSFERS, 2014 " report released by SIPRI. the full report is accessible via following link).http://books.sipri.org/files/FS/SIPRIFS1503.pdf

Tactical Drones for Pakistan's Special Service Group (SSG)

This still taken from the official ISPR video footage of Pak-China joint exercise in Bahadur Range (Attock) shows COAS Pakistan Army Gen Raheel Sharif holding a UAV which indicates that special forces (SSG) are now adopting the deployment of tactical drones for real-time situational awareness during the ops. This force multiplying technology increases the odds of operational success many times while reducing the risk factor for own troops. This technology would be of great value in high risk operations in buildup areas and dense forest areas like Shweal valley of North Wazirstan Agency in FATA where Pakistan Army has launched the last leg of Operation Zarb e Azb.

Iran's Desire to Join CPEC, A Big Dent in Indian Foreign Policy

“Pakistan has invited Iran to become part of the CPEC and help strengthen border markets, upgrade railways, build warehouses and open/upgrade border crossing points,” sources of the Ministry of Commerce revealed to Pakistani media.

It is notice worthy that two countries are already in process to chart out a long term strategic plan to enhance bilateral trade. Pak-Iran Joint Working Group and Technical Committee on Trade is contemplating this plan. The prospects for progress on this plan has been further increased as Iran has entered a landmark deal with world powers on her nuclear program which in turn has paved the way of lifting the sanctions against Iran.

Last meeting of Pak-Iran Joint Working group was held in August where they agreed on the need of implementing the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), including promotion of transparency and establishment of a mechanism that issues prior notification.

Pakistan has stressed the need of establishing regular freight train service between Zahedan (Iran) and Quetta (Pakistan). Some progress has been made in this regard as well during the latest meeting but the frequency of operations of this freight train will have to be increased and Iranian inclusion in CPEC would contribute chiefly in achieving that. This will also make these freight operations more economical by introducing concessionary fares as has been proposed by Pakistan already.

“The Iranian delegation will convey all proposals and suggestions to the authorities concerned in their country and inform about the decisions later,” said the official in the Ministry of Commerce.

According to the official, Iran has also shown interest in linking itself with the CPEC to expand its border markets with regional countries.

Implications for Indian Foreign Policy in Iran:

Now this is a big dent to Indian efforts to isolate Pakistan in the region. Iran is approaching China for assistance and cooperation along with seeking some Chinese investment in Iranian infrastructure. Earlier, on 2 Sep. it was reported that Iran has agreed to becoming part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In fact, under the present geopolitical milieu, both Iran and China can work together. China can give investment and economic boost to Iran while Iran can provide access to Turkey and Europe by acting as land bridge. In this scheme, Pakistan will serve as pivot. It is high time for New Delhi to revise its strategy against Pakistan otherwise there are all the indications that it will be India who will remain isolated in Chinese driven Asian integration via infrastructure development!

Any attempt to obstruct or impede CPEC will be thwarted: Gen Raheel

Pakistan: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan and China have a common enemy and we will defeat it jointly. 

He expressed his views at the grand reception hosted by Chinese military attaché Major General Qi Huajun on the 88th anniversary of the PLA here in Islamabad. The army chief, who was chief guest, said the people of China rendered great sacrifices for their country.

“Pak Army and PLA form edifice of our strategic relations. Together we can defeat the nefarious designs of the enemy. Eliminating the East Turkistan Independence Movement (ETIM) is its manifestation.,” he said adding, “Our friendship will further grow in these testing times.”

The army chief said that Pakistan and China enjoyed strong cordial relations, adding that “our friendship will grow stronger in these testing times. We will defeat nefarious designs of forces detrimental to us. The PLA is one of the best armies of the world."

Commenting on the strategically important, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the army chief said the project would benefit the entire region, adding that the corridor was being developed at full speed.

“I reiterate our resolve that any attempt to obstruct or impede this project will be thwarted at all costs,” he noted. The army chief said that the economic corridor project would maximize dividends of geo-strategic locations.

CPEC has emerged as one of the key strategic development project in the region and holds the key for Pakistan to transform its precarious-looking economic profile. For Pakistan to maintain a credible deterrence against arch rival India, an economic turn-around remains a strategic requirement. This is why Pakistani leadership is aggressively pursuing this project. Last year, Indian defense budget surpassed Pakistan's total annual spending. This is where CPEC is going to play a significant role in uplifting Pakistan's economy.

Chinese Artificial Islands: Advantages and Vulnerbilities

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

This is the artificial island in South China Sea recently built by China as part of her land reclamation project. This Chinese project has sparked a heated debate in global strategic community. South China Sea is among the most volatile maritime strategic hot spots in Indian Ocean. This particular island is located in disputed territory of South China Sea and this is why there is so much debate going on about this Chinese military project. Recently, A US Navy P-8A flew over the island and captured some very detailed pictures proving that Chinese have put their construction work on the island in the next phase. A bitter exchange of words took place between P8-A crew and Chinese Navy while US Navy plane carried out reconnaissance mission revealing details of Chinese mysterious artificial military island. After the incident, Chinese official declared the US flight as an action threatening peace in South Asia Sea. But latest media reports suggest that this was not the last such events where Chinese disapproved the US spying on her island. Australian Navy is planning a 'freedom of navigation' mission to show its disapproval of Chinese project. Australia is a US ally in Asia-Pacific Pivot strategy announced by President Obama in 2010-11.

Detailed photograph taken by the US Navy P-8A shows construction work on Chinese artificial island.

Latest, reports suggest that China has put weapons on the island. After these reports, there is a broad consensus among global security experts, that tensions over the South China Sea are set to escalate even further. As Chinese have shown their dissatisfaction over US spying its artificial island, the US defense secretary has defended the US spy plane flights over Chinese island. "There should be no mistake in this, the United State will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows", said Ash Carter, US defense secretary.

Chinese military buildup has been among the most visible geopolitical trends in last 15 years. This military buildup is translation of growing Chinese economic strength. Latest reports suggest that IMF has approved Chinese Yuan as a next global reserve currency along with US Dollar, EU Euro and Japanese Yen. This economic and military rise of China is the most vivid proof of global shift of power from the west to east. But problem with such power shift is that they are seldom peaceful and considering the high stakes of both the US and China in South China Sea, many security experts around the world consider that a war between both these powers is inevitable. 

Chinese Navy and Air Force are adopting aggressive policy as Beijing is looking to expand is capability to project power away from mainland China. Recently, Russia and China concluded naval exercises in Mediterranean Sea sending clear signal to NATO about the emergence of multi-polar world order.

There is no doubt that artificial island is a major step forward in Chinese strategy to project maritime power in South China Sea. Some experts have declared the island a non-sinkable Chinese aircraft carrier which is going to pose serious challenge to the US and allied maritime vessels in the region. But is Chinese strategy to build artificial islands in South China Sea going to yield the strategic results as Beijing has envisioned them?

Analysis:   

This Chinese artificial island is not the only project of its kind in the region. Previously, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippine have carried out similar projects in their respective waters, but problem with the Chinese project is that it is located in disputed waters where number of regional countries have claims over these waters. It makes this artificial island base a dangerous proposition to begin with.

Apart from that there is a question of building a naval island and coping with its vulnerabilities due to modern ballistic missile threats.

China is following the US footsteps as far as its island maritime strategy is concerned. During and after the World War II, the US established naval bases and stations on islands across the world. The islands like Midway Atoll and Diego Garcia provide strategic footprint to the US Navy in Pacific and Indian Ocean.  Though these islands are invaluable assets for the projection of maritime power and provide operational freedom for US Navy away from its own sea shores as they extend the line of sight for the US Navy due to radar stations and observational posts established on these islands. But at the same time, these islands can very easily become the operational nightmare due to their natural geographic vulnerability in open seas.

There is already a debate is going on within the US national security council about rising precision strike capabilities of Chinese Navy and threat it poses to the US bases in Indian Ocean and the Pacific. In 2014, Carnes Lord and Andrew S Erickson, both professors at US Naval War College, penned “Rebalancing U.S. Forces: Basing and Forward Presence in the Asia-Pacific” which presented a case study about vulnerabilities of US naval basing in the Pacific and Indian Ocean.

“American seapower requires a robust constellation of bases to support global power projection. Given the rise of China and the emergence of the Asia-Pacific as the center of global economic growth and strategic contention, nowhere is American basing access more important than in this region. Yet manifold political and military challenges, stemming not least of which from rapidly-improving Chinese long-range precision strike capabilities, complicate the future of American access and security here.”, says the writers.

The advent of guided missile technology and advancements in ballistic missiles submarines in naval warfare after the World War II changed the entire complexion of forward bases on these islands and their security. In any war scenario, such islands would naturally become the first target of enemy naval fleets and respective aviation wing. Today, both the US and Chinese Navies operate ballistic missiles which can literally remove such advanced naval bases from the face of the planet along with everyone and everything on the islands. In this backdrop, it would be natural to ask if this artificial Chinese island is going to be a strategic asset to PLAN or its biggest vulnerability in case of actual conflict?   

J-11D: China continues to improve its Flankers family

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Secrecy always remains the hallmark of Chinese military programs especially the military aviation projects. Since 2004, when Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) first introduced the Chinese version of Soviet Sukhoi SU-27, as J-11B, this military program has been an intriguingly attractive for military experts around the world. So far, SAC has introduced various versions of Chinese flanker program. Latest addition to the family is J-11D. Prior to this, J-15 (carrier born version) and J-16 (strike version) were introduced. J-11D is yet another proof that Chinese have not done looking into their own flankers family for the room of further improvements.

As mentioned earlier Chinese remain highly secretive about their military aviation projects, any information reaches to open-source domain is through online Chinese military forums.  According to internet forums, J-11D is further development of J-11B with focus on integration of modern technologies built by Chinese firms like Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, composite metals and radar absorbing materials along with capabilities to carry latest Chinese built Air to Air missiles. J-11D would carry PL-10 WVR AAM and PL-15 BVR AAM. PL-15 is the latest addition in Chinese long range AAM which has become new principle BVR weapon on board PLAN/PLAF aircraft. The missile has a range in proximity of 100 Km and incorporate new duplex datalink and new active/passive dual mode seeker with enhanced ECCM capabilityApart from this, the under wing weapon stations have been increased from 2 (in J-11B) to 3 (in J-11D).Its forward IRST/LR appears to have been offset to the starboard side of the windshield, suggesting an IFR probe was installed on the port side, an arrangement similar to that of J-15.

WS-10B Block II has been sighted as the future power plant for J-11D. Chinese sources also hint that some earlier J-11B would also be converted into J-11D. As per IHS Janes, This variant also reportedly features a news indigenous full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system to improve the performance. Janes also mentioned, a new glass cockpit and electronic war suit for this latest incarnation of Chinese flankers.

Compared to Su-16, J-11D is smaller in size but Its radar, EW systems, FBW systems, and communications equipment are the same as those aboard the Shenyang J-16. First flight of J-11D prototype D1101 took place on 29 April 2015. 

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Attack on Pasni Air Traffic Control (ATC) Radar

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

As Pakistan and China sent strong strategic message to the world by showing the resolve to go ahead with strategically critical China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by singing 51 various agreements, the forces afraid/annoyed by this strategic plan made their intentions clear when unknown terrorists tried to destroy one of the critical air traffic radar facility located in Pasni (Baluchistan). This radar is part of Karachi FIR (Flight Information Region) and plays a critical role in directing both domestic and international air traffic passing over Pakistani skies.

Source - Civil Aviation  Authority website 

Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Abdul Hameed said terrorists shot fire on the radar 8Km far from the location and managed to flee after exchange of fire with law enforcement agencies." No loss of life was reported in the incident.

ASF spokesman Abbas Memon told the media that all the installation of the Pasni radar were safe. He termed the attack on the radar an organized assault by terrorists.

ANALYSIS:

CPEC is being watched very closely by global media and diplomatic community. This strategic plan is yet another manifestation of the most prominent geopolitical trend of the 21st century. Strategic shift of power from the West to the East! The US once was the largest investor in Pakistan, but as the US economy strangled due to prolonged unfinished wars, China has replaced the US not only as the largest investor in Pakistan but also as the largest global economy. Through CPEC, China will built some 3000 Km of roads and more than 16,000 megawatts of electricity. China will also complete, $2 billion Pak-Iran gas pipeline as well.

Since 2006, Pakistan and China have been trying to implement the CPEC but Pakistan's precarious internal security profile prevented both the governments to initiate this futuristic mega project. After the persistent successes of Pakistan Army against the terrorists in North Waziristan Agency, in the restive FATA region after launch of Operation Zarb e Azb, the Chinese government, for the first time, began to see Pakistan as a secure country to kick start this delayed program to built Pakistan's infrastructure from the deep seaport of Gawader to the Kashger region of Eastern China. The project holds strategic significance for both the nations. For Pakistan, it is going to be a game-changer as far as the country's economic outlook is concerned.

Inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Pakistan has been decreased during the last 15 years. This project will encourage other investors around the world to see Pakistan as a safe place to invest. For China, the route is critical in order to secure the sustained energy supply route instead of relying on more expansive and dangerous Strait of Malacca.

In this backdrop of strategic importance of this plan for both the countries, the timing of this most recent terrorist attack and the visit of Chinese President Xi Pinjing is not a coincidence. Evidently, this attack was part of an attempt by hostile anti Pakistan actors (both state and non-state) to send a strategic message to the Chinese government to reconsider their plans to invest $45 billion in Pakistan. Usage of the RPGs against sensitive installations has become the most predictable tactic of the terrorists in Pakistan after assaults on Mehran air base in Karachi in 2011. In order to avoid similar attacks on other installations, Pakistani security forces will have to increase the area of secure defense perimeter against sensitive installations. RPGs have become terrorists' weapon of choice in such attacks. Even a failed RPG attack certainly can create serious psychological impact traumatizing the civilians. The timing of this attack must be viewed as announcement of new terror campaign against the Chinese personnel working on many projects and to those who are yet to come Pakistan to work on CPEC. Pakistan has already formed special security force against this potential threat. But keeping in view the remote areas where CPEC would be implemented, it would be prudent for Pakistani government to arm this security force with aerial surveillance capabilities to make its work easier and enhance its threat assessment capability.