NEW DELHI – The government is aware of China’s objective to become amaritime power and India is keeping a constant watch on it, Parliament wastold on Wednesday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence SubhashBhamre said: “The government is aware of China’s stated objective ofbecoming a ‘maritime power’.”

“As part of this strategy, China is undertaking maritime activities anddeveloping ports and other infrastructure facilities in littoral countriesin the Indo-Pacific region, including in the vicinity of India’s maritimeboundary.

“The government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearingon India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it,” MrBhamre said.

The Minister was asked by Congress’s K.V. Thomas if the Naval chiefs ofQuadrilateral Nations — the United States, Japan, Australia and India –have called China a disruptive power.

Mr Bhamre said Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba made no such statement.

US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris had called China a “disruptiveforce” in the Indo-Pacific region, during an event in New Delhi in Januarythis year, where he shared the dais with Admiral Lanba, Australian Navychief Vice Admiral Tim Barret and Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano — the Chief ofStaff, Joint Staff of Japan Self-Defense Forces.