Tactical Tremors in the Indian Ocean

TAMIL NATIONAL FORUM

Selected Writings - Fr. Chandiravarman Sinnathurai

Tactical Tremors in the Indian Ocean

20 May 2008

Comment by tamilnation.org We ourselves take the view that the tactical tremors (re SARPSCO � the newly launched, the South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative) have more to do with China and its String of Pearls Strategy in the Indian Ocean than with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (or for that matter with the war against 'terrorism' as such).

"The geopolitical strategy dubbed the �String of Pearls� is arising as foreign oil becomes a center of gravity critical to China�s energy needs. China�s rising maritime power is encountering American maritime power along the sea lines of communication (SLOCs) that connect China to vital energy resources in the Middle East and Africa. The �String of Pearls� describes the manifestation of China�s rising geopolitical influence through efforts to increase access to ports and airfields, develop special diplomatic relationships, and modernize military forces that extend from the South China Sea through the Strait of Malacca, across the Indian Ocean, and on to the Arabian Gulf. .. Each �pearl� in the �String of Pearls� is a nexus of Chinese geopolitical influence or military presence... The �pearls� extend from the coast of mainland China through the littorals of the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, across the Indian Ocean, and on to the littorals of the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. China is building strategic relationships and developing a capability to establish a forward presence along the sea lines of communication (SLOCs) that connect China to the Middle East..." String of Pearls:Meeting the Challenge of China�s Rising Power Across the Asian Littoral - Lt.Col. Christopher J. Pehrson, July, 2006

Indian Ocean - Global View

TAMIL TIGER attacks under the sea and the recent sinking of a ship-load of arms in Trincomalee harbour have set off alarm bells. The well-known secret is that the Indian Ocean is a lucrative sea-route. Its strategic importance to the Western powers including the US Imperium cannot be underestimated. The mutual concern they have on regional hegemony has a knock-on effect. Half of the world�s maritime traffic is in the Indian ocean.

SARPSCO � a newly launched, the South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative brings together 9 nations, even India and Pakistan working together. These moves have been orchestrated by the US mainly for the protection of its multi-layered interests in the region.

Now, the Tamil Tigers have been involved in an armed struggle for over 30 years against the Sinhala state demanding self-determination for the Tamil Nation. As part of their defensive strategy, they attack military targets. It is common knowledge, that the Tamil Tigers are a liberation movement not part of any international terror net work.

Many state-sponsored propagandists have conspired to tarnish the Tamil struggle. But they have failed to tar the struggle with same brush stroke. On the other hand, it is however, noteworthy to mention that the Tamil struggle is yet to garner Western sympathy. The Western powers have given lame excuses for their studied silence when there are continuing appalling human rights violations and ethnocide taking place in Sri Lanka.

There could be only one and only reason. And that is economic interests.

So, the talk by the US Coast Guard Rear Admiral of a successful attack �crippling a nation�s economy and the disruption of international shipping worldwide� (see Appendix) is beside the point.

The question is for how long one can beat about the bush?

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Appendix:

9 Indian Ocean Nations Partner in Security Cooperative

"...But critics say too often these organizations do not implement resolutions, achieve little, are underfunded, and any progress is hampered by traditional regional rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan..."

By Steve Herman
Nalaguraidhoo, Maldives
19 May 2008

A new organization dedicated to Indian Ocean regional port and maritime security has been launched. The South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative, composed of nine nations, sees such traditional rivals as India and Pakistan making a rare attempt to work together on such issues of mutual concern. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman reports from Nalaguraidhoo in the Maldives.

The South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative, known as SARPSCO, brings together many of the countries sharing the waters of the Indian Ocean: Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

On hand for the group's unveiling Monday on a remote and pristine atoll in the Maldives was the country's president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In a speech broadcast to the nation's 200 inhabited islands, Mr. Gayoom said the nine countries' vigilance is crucial to combat the maritime threats they jointly face.

"This conference, with its broad representation, is an excellent opportunity to chart a new framework for regional cooperation in this vital area," he said.

Half of the world's international maritime traffic is in the Indian Ocean region. Of special concern to the group is the potential disruption to oil shipments, which would have disastrous economic consequences for the region.

The United States is pledging to support the new multination initiative, although it will not be a member.

US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Craig Bone speaking at SARPSCO conference, 19 May 2008

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Craig E. Bone said it is necessary to work together on port and maritime security to save lives and prevent economic damage by thwarting criminal and terrorist acts before they can be carried out.

"If crimes such as illegal fishing, human smuggling and the transportation of illegal cargoes and drugs can not be collectively combated, then neither can terrorism and piracy," he said.

The admiral said the formation of SARPSCO sends a clear message and a warning to terrorists and criminals in the South Asia and Indian Ocean region that they will be detected, they will be interdicted and their activities will not be tolerated.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Robert Blake, Jr., also spoke at the cooperative's inaugural session, saying the group could do a lot to thwart those thinking of attacking ports in the Indian Ocean region.

"Cargo containers and international seaports pose potentially attractive targets for terrorists," he said. "A successful attack against a port could cripple a nation's economy and disrupt international shipping worldwide."

SARPSCO is the latest in a series of such economic and security cooperative initiatives in the region. India organized an Indian Ocean naval symposium in February.

The South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation was launched in 1985. But critics say too often these organizations do not implement resolutions, achieve little, are underfunded, and any progress is hampered by traditional regional rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan.