Abhay Kumar Singh replies: Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean has been growing steadily since 2009 when PLAN’s (People's Liberation Army Navy) flotilla joined the international effort to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Since then, the protection of its maritime interests including maritime trade has been cited as justification for the permanent presence of PLAN in the Indian Ocean and its logistics support base in Djibouti.

Abhay Kumar Singh replies: As one of the most prominent resident naval powers in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India’s role has been critical to maintaining peace and security in the IOR. While strategic stability in the Indian Ocean matters for all nations, India has a vital stake in the evolution of a stable maritime order in the IOR. India has been conscious of its regional obligations and progressively has shown a willingness to become a ‘preferred security partner’ for the regional countries.

Gulbin Sultana replies: The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, also known as the China Bay Oil Tank Farm, was built by the British in the 1930s to supply fuel to Royal Navy ships during the Second World War. The British continued to control the oil farm comprising 99 tanks until the Sri Lankan Government took it over in 1957. Each of the existing 99 tanks can contain 12,000 tonnes of fuel.

Abhay Kumar Singh replies: Decades of economic growth and government prioritisation have enabled China to position itself at the nexus of global maritime trade. Today, China is home to more shipping ports than any other country, including seven of the 10 busiest ports in the world. In addition, China owns over 100 ports in approximately 63 countries.