China's double message on Teesta project, brushing aside India's concerns; Growing Dragon's Presence Near Chicken Neck Raises Strategic Tensions
Why is India worried? India's biggest concern is that the Teesta river basin is located very close to the Siliguri corridor (Chicken Neck). This narrow strip of land connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country and is considered one of the most sensitive areas from the point of view of India's strategic security. In such a situation, if China's economic, technological or infrastructural presence around this region increases, then its strategic influence can also increase in the future. That is why India is seeing China's increasing role in this project as an issue of national security and not just a development project.
Despite India's objection, China is adamant on the Teesta project, saying that the cooperation will be free from third-party pressure. Dragon's big statement on Teesta project deepens India's security concerns
China's big announcement on the Teesta River Project, Dhaka-Beijing's close ties amid India's strategic concerns
Delhi: Despite India's serious security concerns over Bangladesh's Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), China has stuck to its stand. Beijing has categorically stated that its cooperation with Bangladesh does not target any third party and will not be influenced by any third party. China's statement is being seen as a direct rebuff to India's objections.
China's response to India's concerns
"Cooperation between China and Bangladesh does not target any third party and it should be free from any third party influence," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular media briefing in Beijing when asked about the security concerns raised by India. "
He also said that China is committed to further strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh in the areas of better coordination in development strategies, water resources management, trade and people's welfare.
China has announced a public welfare project
Terming the Teesta project as very important for the people of Bangladesh, Guo Jiaqun said it is a big project related to public welfare and China is ready to provide all possible support for its successful implementation.
Why is India worried?
India's biggest concern is that the Teesta river basin is located very close to the Siliguri corridor (Chicken Neck). This narrow strip of land connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country and is considered one of the most sensitive areas from the point of view of India's strategic security.
In such a situation, if China's economic, technological or infrastructural presence around this region increases, then its strategic influence can also increase in the future. That is why India is seeing China's increasing role in this project as an issue of national security and not just a development project.
Tensions could escalate
Experts believe that if China strengthens its long-term presence in the Teesta region through this project, it will have an impact not only on India-Bangladesh relations but also on the strategic equations of the entire South Asia. In such a situation, the security of the Chicken Neck Corridor and the strategic strength of the North-East region has become more important than ever for India.
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