By Prof. Samitha Hettige

SL’s super power neighbor India recently commissioned its first aircraft carrier Vikrant at a cost of 3 billion USD in Kerala. At the commissioning Indian Prime Minister has indicated that Indo Pacific region is a defense priority for India (Ref. Indian sources). Although analysts question the need for such carriers in the missile age, all traditional super powers invested and operated such carriers (even after the fall of USSR). Great China historically and the Peoples Republic has proven that it will never be the first to start a violent conflict against any state but a primary reason for such defense budgets may be to face any challenges from rising China. When China launched its third aircraft carrier (June 2022) and restored its historic Naval glory (of 1403 AD) by becoming the world’s largest Naval force (Ref. Naval sources), some analysts who didn’t comment on Vikrant were commenting on China continuing to push the boundaries of its capacity and were also concerned about the Communist Party of China attempting to rule Taiwan. Those interested may study the historic control Chinese empire had over Taiwan before making conclusions as the UN general assembly has accepted One China policy.

China at the same time successfully tested "Qimingxing-50" (Morning star-50) last week in northwest Yulin City (Shaanxi Province). It is the first and the largest high altitude (15 – 20 KM) long endurance (HALE) solar powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of China which has been developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).  Chinese engineers believe that the Morning Star 50 will help to; monitor and control forest fires, monitor the atmospheric environment, geographic mapping and communication relay. Historically the ancient Silk Road stretched from the northwest towards the Persian Empire more than 2500 years ago (Ref. Chinese sources).

Safe seas and sky

All states in the Indo Pacific including SL must work with India and China to ensure safe seas and a sky as it would ensure safe trading especially among the Belt and Road partners. At the 40^th anniversary commemorating the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Chinese vice foreign minister Xie Feng had expressed notable views. He has requested all concerned to realize in entirety and in good faith the value of upholding the principles and spirit UNCLOS in an unbiased approach. The convention's original goal was to reject double standards and to reject the 'might is right' attitude. According to many analysts an unbiased approach with respect to UNCLOS would resolve most conflicts including the disputes in the South China Sea with a win-win outcome. SL may utilize these tools to prevent maritime conflicts especially with India arising due to the fishing industry which would indirectly prevent internal conflicts and increase investor confidence.

Photo: Indian aircraft carrier Vikrant

(The writer is an Academic and a Broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations.)