China's military modernisation, its South Asia policy a worry

New Delhi, Jun 27 (UNI) China's massive military modernisation, its South Asia policy, especially its security relationship with Pakistan and its ambitions in the Indian Ocean are major causes for worry to India, according to a new book.

The book, 'The New Asian Power Dynamic' brought out by Observer Research Foundation and edited by former foreign secretary Maharajakrishna Rasgotra, said as far as India was concerned the greatest concern was China's security relationship with Pakistan, including generous gifts of nuclear weapon-related technologies and materials, modern conventional weapon systems and gestures of support for Pakistan in the latter's periodic confrontation or conflict with India.

''Even in the improved climate of Sino-Indian relations, China carried out threatening troop movements along the LAC in Ladakh during the Kargil war to divert India's attention from the main front,'' said Mr Rasgotra, now an advisor to ORF Chairman.

''Pakistan's missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons bear close resemblance to Chinese missiles. These policies incidcate a design to gain dominance, if not mastery, of South Asia, which India is bound to resent and resist.'' The book, published by SAGE, also raised concerns over China's ambitions in the Indian Ocean, describing it ''another source of worry''. Though no Chinese territory bordered the Indian Ocean, it was now being described in Chinese circles as 'China's next frontier'.

Mr Rasgotra suggested that it would be best for India, which would not wish misunderstandings to cloud future prospects, and China to candidly discuss China's South Asia Policy in their ongoing strategic dialogue.

The book, with 12 papers by veteran diplomats and academics, included those written by veteran diplomat K Raghunath, who had also been country's former foreign secretary, and M K Bhadrakumar, who had been India's ambassador to many countries.

The book examined the unfolding relationships among the five great powers in Asia -- the United States, China, India, Japan and Russia. It also explored recent bilateral relations between these states.

The book would be released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later today.

UNI