I don't know the source, but it was a link from CNN's main page.
I sort of agree with their assessment. If China wants to throw themselves in the wolf den and make their presence known that's fine with me, especially if it means we can stop pretending to be friends with Pakistan. I also don't particularly mind developing closer ties with India, which is a lot more palatable as far as foreign policy goes if we cut some of our stronger financial purse strings that tie us to Pakistan.
There's no GOOD solution to that region, but this presents an opportunity for a BEST solution, perhaps. If it's true.
This is a better article. More on the story, less analysis and conjecture.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Seems only a matter of time before folks similar in purpose to Al-Qaeda start turning their attention to West China. It doesn't surprise me that China is seriously thinking about increasing their presence on that border.
Posted by Mucus (Member # 9735) on :
Seems like a lot of work.
A naval base, sounds fine. But an army base for fighting terrorists? I'd wait for more confirmation, preferably not from Pakistani sources that might be playing both sides.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
How is this even remotely news? China Watchers more or less knew this was coming for about the last six years. I am also confused how does China having a military base in Pakistan would give the US excuse to cut relations with Pakistan, the Pakistani and Chinese governments had been essentially allied since the Sino-Indian border war, China's most recent multi roll ground attack fighter is being developed in partnership with Pakistan and China has had a non trivial engineering and development presence in Pakistan for over a decade at least.
Chinese troops, ostensibly to fight terrorism would be fully in keeping with their efforts to be a stake holder in international peace, stability and in the struggle against terrorism. Recall that the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) is a UN organization, by virtue of being on the UNSC China is pursuing its legitimate interests in cooperation with the international community and the United Nations.
Heck, they could even be in a position to act as peacekeepers if Pakistan ever collapses into being a failed state that I keep hearing on the interwebs.
To me, a military base sounds not only plausible, but within China's interests, to have a military presence to secure the planned naval base China intends to lease and develop from Pakistan, fight terrorists that threaten China's interests in central asia, and provide a counterweight to increasing Indian influence in the region. Also to be in a position to help secure the Pakistani nuclear arsenal should the nation collapse (or to help prop up the Pakistani gov't should collapse become more likely).
The average pakistani netizen generally views China favourably and thinks the Chinese are their friends, I expect this to be popular in Pakistan relatively speaking.
Also, fake edit: Terrorists have already been working in Sinkiang, the bomb blast a few months back was beleived to be their work I think in the SAR capital.