India-China rivalry in the Andaman Sea will increase

Significance

The Andaman Sea is emerging as another theatre of India-China rivalry in the Indian Ocean region, its significance accentuated by a choke point at the Strait of Malacca on which China depends for military movements and trade security.

Impacts

• Development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may increase opportunities for firms investing in energy and tourism infrastructure.
• Bangkok will draw closer to Beijing politically and economically.
• Instability around the Andaman Sea would increase security risks for South-east Asian countries.