NEW DELHI: China is funding the development of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan and it could be used for military purposes also in the future, Defense Minister A K Antony said today.
“Government is aware of the development of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Chinese funding and of the reports of handing over the control of port operations to a Chinese firm.
The port could be used for military purposes in the future,” Antony told Rajya Sabha in reply to a written query.
The Minister was asked if the Government was aware of the reports of handing over of the port by Pakistan to China.
India has already expressed concern over the issue.
“Chinese are now constructing that port on Pakistan’s request. In one sentence, I can say that it’s a matter of concern to us. My answer is simple and straightforward,” Antony had said recently.
To a question whether China has increased its activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Defense Minister said, “China has also participated in IOR in development projects like ports, deep sea mining, ocean research and anti-piracy operations.”
In reply to a query on intrusion by Chinese troops, Antony said there was no delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and due to differing perceptions, both sides patrol up to their respective perceptions and “transgressions do occur”.
“The PLA transgression in the last six months is as per the established pattern… No camps have been set up by Chinese troops in the territory under our control,” he said.
Meanwhile, answering another query, Antony said there were 160 field firing ranges in the country of which 54 were on private or Government forest land.-PTI
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