As the Sino-Pak naval joint exercise “Maritime Guardian-3” entered its second phase, a joint fleet of Chinese and Pakistani warships cruised in the northern Arabian Sea, outwardly demonstrating their shared determination to uphold regional peace and stability.
According to reports, the joint fleet consisted of the Chinese Type 052D Zibo destroyer and Pakistani naval vessels. Both sides deployed observers to each other’s ships for communication and coordination. China also sent personnel aboard Pakistan’s anti-submarine patrol aircraft to observe their anti-submarine operations throughout the exercise.
This maritime joint patrol marks the first of its kind for the Chinese and Pakistani navies, showcasing the deepening and broadening cooperation in defense between the two nations. The inclusion of submarines in the exercise underscores the commitment to anti-submarine warfare, with both sides sending representatives to observe each other’s capabilities. Additionally, the integration of People’s Liberation Army Navy and Pakistani Navy vessels requires seamless data linkage and communication systems, forming an integrated operational system.
Pakistan’s recent acquisition of the 054AP frigate, lacking a dedicated air-defense destroyer like the Type 052D, highlights the significance of this joint exercise. The training provides the opportunity for Pakistan to experience the role of an air-defense destroyer in fleet operations and aids in the swift operationalization of new equipment. Therefore, this in-depth exchange in such critical and sensitive areas underscores the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.
The joint exercise and patrol in the sensitive northern Arabian Sea carry substantial implications. This area, situated between Pakistan, Iran, and Oman, controls the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for Persian Gulf oil exports. Any disturbance in this region could have profound implications for global economy and geopolitics. Thus, choosing this location for the Sino-Pak joint patrol holds great significance.
Primarily, this region is a vital artery for our energy transportation, as the Middle East supplies approximately 70% of our oil imports. With four of our top five oil-supplying countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, located in this region, maintaining peace and stability here is crucial for our interests.
When necessary, the People’s Liberation Army must possess the capability and determination to safeguard peace and stability. Achieving this goal requires a thorough understanding of the region, making the joint Sino-Pak naval patrol not only about enhancing military trust and collaborative capabilities but also coordinating with the Pakistan Air Force to support the People’s Liberation Army.
China currently has only one support base in Djibouti in the Indian Ocean, far from the Red Sea, and lacks bases around the Arabian Sea. In contrast, Pakistan, with ports like Karachi, is an ideal choice. Given the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, there is a risk of spillover. U.S. naval assets, including the USS Eisenhower carrier strike group and USS Florida guided-missile submarine, have entered the Arabian Sea, posing a close threat to Iran. In this scenario, demonstrating our strength, controlling the situation, and ensuring our interests are not jeopardized become imperative.
In fact, the number of Chinese naval vessels in the Indian Ocean has reached a peak, with eight vessels, including the 44th and 45th escort fleets, the comprehensive rescue ship Yangchenghu, and a Type 039G submarine. Adding an aircraft carrier would constitute an over-strength carrier strike group.
In this context, the Sino-Pak joint patrol in the northern Arabian Sea appears to be the most suitable and practical approach. Middle Eastern countries are gradually distancing themselves from U.S. control, especially in maritime security. Reports suggest that countries like the UAE have withdrawn from the U.S.-led joint maritime forces and are forming their own multinational maritime forces with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others to safeguard security and stability in the Middle East waters.
Considering the actual needs of Middle Eastern countries, they are likely to seek our support, such as acquiring our ships and utilizing signals from the Beidou Navigation Satellite System. Therefore, the joint exercise and patrol in the northern Arabian Sea contribute to our future support for these countries.
Equally important is our strategic support point in the northern Arabian Sea—Gwadar Port. As a vital gateway in the Indian Ocean and another secure channel for energy transportation, Gwadar has attracted opposition from certain countries and forces, obstructing its development. Previous attacks by local separatist organizations on Chinese targets near Gwadar underline the need for a Sino-Pak joint patrol in the northern Arabian Sea as a deterrent against such threats.
The Sino-Pak joint patrol in this instance sends a clear signal to India as well, expressing our opposition to Indian grandstanding and the “Indian Ocean” strategy. We adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, believing that nations, regardless of size or strength, should coexist peacefully without arbitrarily dividing so-called spheres of influence. Furthermore, India’s strategic alignment with the United States is evident, with repeated provocations at the Sino-Indian border, attempting to exploit the situation. The joint Sino-Pak patrol in the northern Arabian Sea serves as a deterrent to India in this context.