Amidst the growing number of COVID-19 cases outside China, it has assured South Asian nations that it will share its experience of containing the virus spread. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has deployed a dozen underwater drones in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), putting India on high alert. Complete Coverage: Coronavirus
Crux of the Matter
In the latest updates, China reported no new domestic cases but saw a 100% jump in imported cases – 78 cases of people who came from abroad were reported on Monday. Although the country says it has been able to stem the virus, the infected travelers pose a risk.
China’s Modern Warfare Amidst the growing tension of the pandemic, China has continued to explore its warfare tactics. It deployed 12 underwater drones in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Earlier it had launched underwater vehicles to carry out hydrographic surveys and oceanic research. By deploying these Sea-Wing drones, China gathered more than 3,000 observations for its ‘joint ocean and ecology project’ as per the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources.
#China Deployed 12 Underwater Drones In the #IndianOcean The drones were launched in mid-December 2019 and recovered in February after making more than 3,400 observations These Sea Wing gliders are a type of UUV which can operate for months on endhttps://t.co/YxUpNRRLXX — Indo-Pacific News (@IndoPac_Info) March 23, 2020
Forbes reports suggested that such data is commonly gathered and used for submarine warfare operations and naval intelligence. However, the Indian Navy said that it cannot vouch for what the Forbes report says but it is continuously keeping track of Chinese research vessels located in the IOR through P81 long-range maritime patrol aircraft, warships, etc. Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh had said that the Navy drives away vessels that engage in any “suspicious military activity” within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone – 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Race to Be Big Brother in SAARC As China gives assurance that it will share its experience of combating the virus, India has already made supplies worth $1 million to its neighbors and pledged $10 million toward SAARC COVID-19 emergency fund. On February 26, India also sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies like masks, and gloves to virus-hit Wuhan. On the other hand, China has not included India in the list of countries it is extending assistance and aid to. In a conference call that lasted 4 hours, China shared its experience of stemming the pandemic including that of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supplying essentials, etc. to 2,000 participants from various nations like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, etc.
Curiopedia
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), sometimes known as underwater drones, are any vehicles that are able to operate underwater without a human occupant. These vehicles may be divided into the two categories of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROUVs), which are controlled by a remote human operator, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), which operate independently of direct human input. The navies of multiple countries, including the US, UK, France, Russia, and China are currently creating unmanned vehicles to be used in oceanic warfare to discover and terminate underwater mines. An additional major application unmanned underwater vehicles have is serving the naval warfare community. Most naval forces have difficulty with coastal combat, as large ships venture near shore they will become grounded. This dilemma allows unmanned underwater vehicles to fulfill a unique role within the military community as these vehicles can access these coastal shallow areas unlike their manned counterparts. The versatility of these vehicles allows them to perform many missions, while also being more cost effective and preserving military personnel. More Info
Curated Coverage
Times of India – India on alert as ‘China deploys dozen underwater drones in IOR’
Economic Times – China says coronavirus ‘stemmed’ in country; Wuhan begins easing restrictions
Forbes – China Deployed 12 Underwater Drones In Indian Ocean
Economic Times – PM Modi proposes emergency covid-19 fund for Saarc nations
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