Forging an Indian Partnership
Abstract
In 2009 a new capability was introduced to the world as it rolled past a reviewing stand in China and onto newspaper and Internet opinion pages across the globe. Rumors over the capabilities and consequences of the Dongfeng 21D antiship ballistic missile raised questions over how the United States would respond to a country developing missiles with only one purpose to deter or destroy US carriers at sea, far beyond their ability to strike back. Many observers have noted with concern China s meteoric rise in both national GDP and expenditure on military equipment. Although the true amount spent on its military activity is shrouded in secrecy, the Chinese government s official figures have shown an average annual growth of 12.9 percent since 1989. While the United States still spends more than China in both absolute terms and as a percentage of GDP ($698 billion vs. $119 billion and 4.8 percent vs. 2.1 percent, respectively), these substantial growth trends, coupled with a lack of transparency over Chinese intentions, have caused alarm among some defense observers and neighboring countries. Despite China s open denial of any hegemonic aspirations and its attempt to assuage foreign concerns about the nature of its peaceful development, many commentators have called for a strategy to not only engage with this proponent of a harmonious society, but also to hedge or possibly balance its ambitions and capabilities. To these observers, India represents that potential counterweight and balancing force. Indeed, the latest US defense strategy released in January 2012 specifically mentions the long-term strategic partnership with India.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA568778
Entities
People
- Craig H. Neuman Ii
Organizations
- Air University