The document discusses China's "String of Pearls" doctrine to secure its sea lines of communication by building ports and infrastructure along key trade routes. It aims to address China's "Malacca Dilemma" of relying heavily on the narrow Malacca Strait for energy imports. Under the String of Pearls, China is developing ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and seeking to include others. While China says this brings regional harmony, India views it as detrimental to its influence in the Indian Ocean. The growing network of Chinese-backed ports in the region increases India's strategic unease.