Location and Geography:
The Coco Islands are a group of 13 islands located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. The islands are situated about 414 kilometers from Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, and are closer to the Indian coast than to the Myanmar mainland. The Coco Islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago and are considered to be one of the most remote and isolated regions in the world.
History and Politics:
The Coco Islands have a fascinating history that is intertwined with the political developments of the region. The islands were initially part of the British India colony until 1937 when they were transferred to British Burma. In 1942, during World War II, the Japanese occupied the Coco Islands, and they remained under Japanese control until the end of the war.
In 1954, the Coco Islands became part of the Union of Burma, which was later renamed Myanmar. The Myanmar government has always maintained tight control over the Coco Islands, and access to the islands has been restricted for both tourists and locals. In recent years, the Myanmar government has allowed limited access to the Coco Islands, but the islands remain a highly restricted area.
Flora and Fauna:
The Coco Islands are known for their unique flora and fauna, which have evolved in isolation for thousands of years. The islands are home to a variety of endemic species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Some of the notable species found in the Coco Islands include the Nicobar megapode, a ground-dwelling bird that is known for its large eggs, and the Nicobar tree shrew, a small mammal that is endemic to the islands.
The Coco Islands are also home to several species of turtles, including the endangered leatherback and hawksbill turtles. The waters surrounding the Coco Islands are rich in marine life, including numerous species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Recent Developments:
The Coco Islands have been making headlines in the news in recent years due to their strategic location and the interest of several countries in the region. The islands are located near key shipping lanes and are considered to be an important strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
Several countries, including India, China, and the United States, have expressed interest in the Coco Islands, and there have been reports of increased military activity in the region. The Myanmar government has been cautious about allowing foreign involvement in the Coco Islands, and there have been concerns about the potential impact of increased military presence on the islands' unique environment and wildlife.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Coco Islands of Myanmar are a fascinating and unique destination that has recently gained media attention. The islands' remote location, coupled with their rich history and unique flora and fauna, make them an attractive destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts.
While the Coco Islands have been making headlines in the news due to their strategic location, it is important to remember that these islands are also a fragile ecosystem that needs to be protected. As more countries express interest in the Coco Islands, it is vital that any development in the region is done in a responsible and sustainable manner that ensures the long-term conservation of these islands' unique environment and wildlife.
Why in News?
Recent satellite images showing the construction of a military facility on Coco Islands in Myanmar and a proposed remote satellite receiving ground station system in Sri Lanka, both coming up with Chinese help, have raised concerns in India of possible surveillance across the region.
What are the Causes of Concern?
Coco Islands of Myanmar located very close to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Island chain are strategically important for India.
China, which has been eyeing to encircle India in the Indian Ocean Region with its aggressive ‘String of Pearls’ policy is developing a military facility on the islands.
The island is being connected to the southern landmass using a new bridge which can anytime be used by the Chinese military.
Because of its critical location, the proposed remote satellite receiving ground station in Sri Lanka can be used to spy on Indian assets and intercept sensitive information across the region.
Satellite tracking facilities are inherently dual-use in nature which means they can be used for both civil and military activities.
It’s also apprehended that India’s satellite launch facilities in Sriharikota and the missile test range in Odisha could come under the scanner of the ground station and launches from there could be tracked to obtain sensitive data.
Ground stations are surface-based facilities which are designed to provide real-time communication with satellites.
Recently, a Chinese ship was seen docking at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, the fore mentioned stations are likely to work in coordination with such vessels to gather vital information in the region.
What are the Other Instances that Raise Doubts on China’s Intentions?
In August 2022, the docking of Chinese spy ship ‘Yuan Wang-5’ at Hambantota created a major diplomatic showdown between India and Sri Lanka.
Later in November, another vessel ‘Yuan Wang-6’ had entered the Indian Ocean Region, coinciding with a planned Indian long-range missile launch.
At that time, the launch was deferred, and the vessel had re-entered the IOR in December when the missile test was rescheduled.
Recent remote sensing data indicate that the construction of a military infrastructure on Coco Islands in Myanmar, and the establishment of a remote satellite receiving ground station system in Sri Lanka, both with the assistance of the Chinese, have provoked concerns in India of potential surveillance activities throughout the region.
What Are the Reasons for the Concerns?
Coco Islands, which are in close proximity to India's Andaman and Nicobar Island chain, are of great strategic significance to India. China, which has long sought to encircle India in the Indian Ocean Region, is constructing a military facility on the islands as part of its aggressive "String of Pearls" policy. The island is being linked to the southern landmass by a new bridge that could be used at any time by the Chinese military.
The proposed remote satellite receiving ground station in Sri Lanka, due to its crucial location, can be utilized to spy on Indian assets and intercept sensitive information across the region. Satellite tracking facilities, as a rule, have dual-use potential, meaning that they can be employed for both civil and military purposes. Moreover, it is apprehended that the ground station could scrutinize India's satellite launch facilities in Sriharikota and the missile test range in Odisha, and that launches from these locations could be monitored to obtain sensitive data.
Ground stations are land-based facilities that are designed to provide real-time communication with satellites. In coordination with such vessels, the aforesaid stations are likely to work with a Chinese ship that recently docked at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka to gather vital information in the region.
What Other Instances Raise Doubts Regarding China's Intentions?
In August 2022, the docking of Chinese spy ship "Yuan Wang-5" at Hambantota caused a significant diplomatic conflict between India and Sri Lanka. Later, in November, another vessel, "Yuan Wang-6," entered the Indian Ocean Region, coinciding with a scheduled Indian long-range missile launch. At that time, the launch was postponed, and the vessel returned to the IOR in December when the missile test was rescheduled.