China’s Seabed Mapping Initiatives: Military Intelligence and Global Implications
China is expanding its ocean research, deploying vessels for military intelligence and seabed mapping. Despite protests from countries like India and Japan, China continues to assert its presence, gathering data with potential military applications. This raises concerns over regional security amid implications for deep-sea mining and strategic naval positioning.
China is intensifying its ocean exploration efforts far beyond its territorial waters, deploying a fleet of research vessels. This initiative provides the Chinese government with significant military intelligence, thereby enhancing its naval capacity and posing a threat to U.S. allies. Despite international protests from nations such as Japan and India, these long-term mapping missions continue unabated.
The data derived from these expeditions holds vast potential across multiple sectors, including deep-sea mining and scientific research. Notably, the civilian-led research is being appropriated for military purposes which poses a risk to American interests. Matthew Funaiole, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized, “If that data may have some value to the Chinese military … they’re going to get it; there’s no firewall in place.”
The Indian Navy previously forced a Chinese research vessel out in 2019, yet new ships have made return trips, with advanced vessels like the Xiang Yang Hong 01 and Dong Fang Hong 3 systematically mapping the eastern Indian Ocean. Approximately a dozen Chinese civilian research ships are actively operational worldwide, collecting vital data on oceanographic conditions critical for both scientific and military applications.
The implications of these surveys extend to naval operations, impacting mine visibility and sonar accuracy. Furthermore, as China asserts dominance in acquiring essential minerals for advanced technologies, the West struggles to keep pace in this emerging industry. An analysis of 64 Chinese vessels revealed that over 80% demonstrated links to military endeavors, highlighting an ongoing geopolitical strategy.
China asserts that its marine research adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which aims to manage oceanic activities. However, the U.S. navy conducts similar surveys that are distinctly split from scientific initiatives, often operating within China’s exclusive economic zones without permission.
In recent events, Indian Ocean dynamics have shifted following a moratorium on foreign research ship visits in Sri Lanka. The Xiang Yang Hong 01 set sail for a 10-week mission to conduct detailed research, including within India’s exclusive economic zone, raising alarms about possible military implications, as noted by experts.
Concerns have been amplified by a new agreement between China and the Cook Islands for collaborative oceanographic research. The Cook Islands, which have issued permits for deep-sea mineral exploration, are of strategic interest due to their extensive jurisdiction over rich cobalt mineral reserves.
The underwater exploration necessitated by deep-sea mining poses a security risk to New Zealand, particularly amid concerns surrounding Chinese naval activities. Graeme Smith, a senior fellow at the Australian National University, remarked, “To do this mining, you need to have a really good map of what’s under the water.”
Overall, China’s aggressive seabed mapping initiatives reflect its dual intentions of advancing scientific knowledge while enhancing military capabilities, thereby posing significant concerns for regional and global security dynamics.
In summary, China’s extensive efforts in ocean exploration, particularly through the deployment of its research vessels, serve both scientific and military objectives. This dual-purpose initiative raises alarm among regional powers such as India and Australia, as they perceive a threat to national security. As China continues to assert its influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the implications for global maritime governance and strategic stability become increasingly pronounced.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
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