Chinese warships frequently visit Karachi, Gwadar in bid to expand presence in Indian Ocean

Chinese warships and submarines are frequently visiting Karachi and Gwadar, say top intelligence agencies. These activities seem to be part of a carefully-choreographed exercise to expand China's Navy presence in the Indian Ocean in the name of goodwill visit.

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Chinese warships frequently visit Karachi, Gwadar in bid to expand presence in Indian Ocean
Chinese warship.

Chinese warships and submarines are frequently visiting Karachi and Gwadar, according to top intelligence agencies.

It seems that these activities are part of a carefully-choreographed exercise to expand China's Navy presence in the Indian Ocean in the name of goodwill visit.

Three warships - Chang Chun, Jing Jhou and Chao Hu of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) are on a 4-day goodwill visit.

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In January this year, pictures of Chinese submarines Type 093 Shag Submarines emerged docked at Karachi harbour. Type 093 Shag submarines belong to the most advanced and latest class built by China.

Karachi is very close to India's coastline. This proximity is likely to help spy on the movement of Indian warships.

Chinese Navy is planning to expand its Marines Corps and raise new marines brigades in Pakistan. PLA Navy is planning to more than double the strength of its Marine Corps to around 1 lakh.

Also read | China says Xi Jinping and Nawaz Sharif met several times, but doesn't deny bilateral snub to Pakistan

Also read | China backs India's tsunami warning system in South China Sea

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