http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/361116.cms
Chinese projects in airports under scanner
Pradeep Thakur
[ 8 Nov, 2006 0120hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
 
 
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NEW DELHI: Concerned at China's continued monitoring of Indian nuclear establishments, missile and satellite launch facilities, the national security advisor has alerted the government against giving sanction to the Great Wall Airlines of China for the development of cargo facilities at Chennai and Mumbai airports.

Stating that the airline's presence would not be in the interest of the country, a National Security Council Secretariat report said the airline has close links with the Chinese Army and could prove detrimental to the security of India's vital installations situated close to the two airports.

On the dangers of allowing Chinese airlines to set up base in India, the note on potential threats to national security said state-owned China Great Wall Industry Corporation is closely associated with the People's Liberation Army and holds 51% stake in the airline company.

The core competence of the Chinese company, which has a majority stake in the airline, is commercial development of space technology. The company had come under US sanctions several times since 1991 for its role in missile proliferation.

The NSC feels that the corporation, which has participated in building defence capabilities in other countries, can pose grave dangers. Threats in terms of intelligence gathering about plans and assets by compromising our personnel through unhindered interactions are apparent, sources said.