EVENTS

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has undergone rapid restructuring in recent years, updating its infrastructure, equipment, vessels, and command and control structure to address perceived challenges in the evolving landscape of international politics. Major reforms in 2013 marked the end of the era of the Five Dragons and reduced the number of Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies, centralizing overall command under the State Council. Subsequently, in 2017, the CCG was placed under the control of the People's Armed Police Force, which falls under the authority of the Central Military Commission. Concurrently, there has been a focus on strengthening and upgrading the Maritime Militia, a component with unique characteristics drawing attention particularly towards its functionality and command and control infrastructure. The seminar would examine the evolving structure of CCG, the rationale underlying these changes and interlinkages with the People's Liberation Army Navy. The speaker would also attempt to interpret the regional dynamics, particularly among littoral states in the South China Sea and East China Sea, which have also undergone significant shifts.

About the Speaker

Vikash Kumar Thakur’s area of expertise is in the field of International Relations, specializing in East Asian Studies. He holds a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University on "China Coast Guard and its Regional Dynamics, 2002-17". Dr. Thakur completed his M.Phil (2015-2017) from the same institution, focusing on "China Coast Guard and its Maritime Defense, 2000-16". Dr. Thakur's research interests encompass Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies, security and geopolitical issues prevalent in East Asia.

About the Chair

Atul Bhardwaj is currently Fellow, Pradhan Mantri Museum and Library, New Delhi. He is also Honorary Fellow at School of International Studies, City, University of London. He is an Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies. He is the author of India- America Relations - 1942-62 (Routledge, 2018). He writes a regular strategic affairs column in The Economic and Political Weekly (Mumbai).

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