1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov August 16, 2017China-India Rivalry in the Indian Ocean Rivalry between China and India, the worlds two most populous nations, appears to be increasing. While tensions over the two nations disputed border and other diplomatic frictions have attracted attention in recen
2、t months, the China-India rivalry is also expanding into the Indian Ocean. Congress may consider the implications of this evolving strategic rivalry for U.S. interests and strategic balances of Asia. Indian Ocean Background The Indian Ocean region (IOR) was a center of strategic competition for Euro
3、pean colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. The British East India Companys presence in the subcontinent is one example of this. China and other Asian powers have also played a role in the IOR. The voyages of Zheng He (1405-1433), for example, briefly extended Chinese
4、 influence into the Indian Ocean. The economic rise of China, India, and other Asian nations, and the rapid associated growth in seaborne trade and energy that transits the Indian Ocean, is making the region increasingly significant. Approximately 50% of the worlds container traffic and 70% of its p
