The Great Coco of Myanmar, a remote island in the Bay of Bengal, has emerged as a unit of concern for the world. Several sources across the globe have reported several problems with the use of the island by Chinese intelligence agencies. The island has remained a place of speculation and intrigue for the international community.
Several sources believe that the island is under the control of Chinese Intelligence agencies. The claims were initially without a basis and bore no proof. However, recently several satellite images have surfaced. These images feature signs of military modernization. The satellite images from January 2023 show that the island has several new features of interest.
These include two new hangars, a newly lengthened 2,300-meter runway and a radio station. Additionally, the authorities have constructed a new causeway linking to a smaller island. The authorities have also made efforts to clear lands. This signifies that they are making an effort to start more construction.
The 11km Great Coco is in a strategically significant location. The island is close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Additionally, The distance between the island and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 55 km. Notably, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands host India’s Navy and airforce bases.
The closeness between the two locations has erupted with concerns that the intelligence of China will gain from the information gathered at the Myanmar-governed island. The development in coco island suggests that India may soon face the threat of a new airbase in a country (Myanmar) increasingly associated with China.
The government of India has been monitoring the developments in the region closely. They have also confronted the government of China for aiding these developments. The government, however, had denied any involvement in the developmental projects of Coco Island.
Meanwhile, the sources have clarified that the satellite images do not present solid evidence of China’s involvement in the development. However, since the 2021 coup in Myanmar, the country has remained highly dependent on China.
