China’s Air Power and Maritime Strategies Towards the Indian Ocean Region

Book excerpt: This book examines China’s naval and airpower strategic direction towards the Indian Ocean region. It discusses China’s military modernization program along with naval and airpower capabilities including expeditionary nature. It analyses China’s attempt to gain a strategic dominance in the IOR by means of investments and trade with the littoral countries, military-diplomatic relationship with friendly countries, permanent presence of naval systems in the Indian Ocean, and delivering ‘public goods’ throughout the region. A comparative analysis of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) expeditionary capabilities and Indian Air Force’s (IAF) deterrence mechanisms is also included. Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Bhutan)