Gippner, Olivia
(2016)
Antipiracy and unusual coalitions in the Indian Ocean region: China’s changing role and confidence building with India.
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 45 (3).
pp. 107-137.
ISSN 0341-6631
Abstract
Piracy and threats from non-state actors in the Gulf of Aden have triggered states to cooperate in securing water ways and the so-called “Sea Lines of Communication”, fundamentally transforming the maritime security environment in the region. As a result, the strategic importance of this region has not only been reaffirmed, but it has gained tremendous importance with the presence of several actors, especially China and India. Since 2008, these two countries have been involved in a larger global action against piracy. While China and India are not official members of any international mission, they coordinate alongside them. This has led increasing contacts and exposure of their naval capabilities – a possible confidence building effort? Will the Gulf of Aden and the broader Indian Ocean region emerge as an area of cooperation or competition between China and India? Which mechanisms could impact and explain the outcome? Drawing on interviews carried out with Chinese and European experts in the period of 2012-2015 this article explores the reasons and instruments of cooperation in the field of antipiracy and the degree to which China uses antipiracy as a confidence building measure.
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
Download Statistics
Download Statistics