China Strengthens Ties with Pakistan in Naval Exercises

Joint Naval Exercise AMAN- 2025 in Indian Ocean Raising Security Concerns for India

China has deployed a naval task force to join in the Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-2025, hosted by Pakistan. This move further strengthens its strategic and military ties with Islamabad. This development comes at a time of escalating security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region. The increasing Chinese naval presence in the area contributes to these worries.

The exercise, held from February 7 to 12 in Karachi, will include participation from several countries. These countries are China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and the US. There will also be observers from 32 other countries. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has sent a guided-missile destroyer. It has also sent a supply ship, a ship-borne helicopter, and Marine Corps personnel for the exercise.

China’s participation in AMAN-2025 aligns with its broader strategy of expanding naval influence in the IOR. A Chinese government statement highlighted that its naval assets would focus on anti-piracy operations. They would also concentrate on maritime security cooperation. The statement emphasized the protection of vital sea lanes and overseas interests.

During the inauguration ceremony at Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi, Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib emphasized multinational cooperation. He spoke about its importance in maritime security. Senior Chinese defence officials attended the event. The Chinese Defence Attache to Pakistan was among them. Their presence reinforced the deepening military partnership between Beijing and Islamabad.

China’s growing involvement in Pakistan-led military exercises is strategic. This move coincides with its expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean. The timing of AMAN-2025 aligns with India’s Theater Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX). This extensive naval drill is conducted by the Indian Navy to assess its combat preparedness.

India has consistently expressed concerns over China’s military and strategic encirclement. This is through its “String of Pearls” strategy. This strategy involves building strategic bases and partnerships across the Indian Ocean and South Asia. China’s continued participation in Pakistani naval drills is viewed as part of this broader military strategy.

China is strengthening its defence and maritime ties with Pakistan. India remains vigilant about Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean. This is especially true around key shipping lanes and strategic chokepoints. There were reports of China sending its two research vessels in the IOR last month.