China’s growing strategic partnership with Pakistan is taking center stage in South Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape. This collaboration aims to counter India’s military expansion along the Sino-Indian border and ease pressure on China’s western front.
Shifting the Balance: India’s significant troop concentration on the disputed Sino-Indian border presents a strategic challenge for China. By strengthening Pakistan’s military capabilities, China hopes to divert India’s focus and resources from the shared border.
Enter the Haider Tank: A pivotal element of this strategy is China’s assistance in establishing domestic production of the VT4 main battle tank (MBT) in Pakistan. Renamed the “Haider” by Pakistan, this advanced tank offers a cost-effective solution for Pakistan to equip its army with modern firepower in large numbers.
Domino Effect in South Asia: China’s strategic chessboard extends beyond Pakistan. Bangladesh’s recent acquisition of the VT5 light tank signifies China’s efforts to establish a network of strategically placed allies equipped with modern weaponry. Even the Maldives’ budding military cooperation with China points towards a well-coordinated strategy to counterbalance India’s regional influence.
Weakening India’s Grip: By strategically engaging with Pakistan and other regional players, China aims to stretch India’s military resources across multiple fronts. This constant need to divert attention creates a strategic advantage for China on the Sino-Indian border, potentially deterring any aggressive actions by India.
Pakistan’s Growing Might: The transfer of VT4 production technology to Pakistan signifies a long-term commitment from China. Pakistan’s goal is to produce over 500 Haider tanks, supplementing the existing fleet of over 100 already delivered by China. This self-sufficiency in tank production grants Pakistan a significant edge in armored warfare capabilities compared to India.
The Future of South Asia: The increasing China-Pakistan military cooperation injects a new dynamic into South Asia’s power struggle. With an anticipated force of over 1,000 modern MBTs deployed by Pakistan, India is likely to face mounting pressure on the Indo-Pakistani border. This development, coupled with China’s strategic alliances in the region, has the potential to reshape the balance of power in South Asia.
March 13, 2024
Source; China Arms