Table of contents
Relevance for UPSC
- GS II: International Relations – India-China bilateral relations, border issues, and diplomatic engagements.
- GS III: Security Challenges – Border conflicts, de-escalation, and defence cooperation.
- Essay Topics: India-China: Cooperation or Competition in Asia.
News Article
Background
Relations Post-Standoff:
- The relationship between India and China deteriorated post-Galwan clash (2020).
- Efforts to normalize relations were disrupted by the border standoff and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Developments:
- Last month's Modi-Xi Jinping meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, indicated a "restart" of relations.
- India-China focus is on de-escalation and confidence-building measures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Key Diplomatic Points
Open for Business:
- China has expressed a willingness to revive economic and bilateral relations.
- Economic and business delegations are visiting China to rebuild ties.
- Trade resumption post-COVID is being emphasized by both sides.
LAC De-escalation:
- Agreements reached on patrolling arrangements and reducing troop deployment along the border.
- Importance of gradual normalization to achieve mutual trust.
Visits and Exchanges:
- Resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
- Potential visits to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China.
Indian Perspective
Cautious Approach:
- India emphasizes de-escalation as a precondition for normalization.
- Focus on strengthening domestic public opinion against China's unilateral actions on the border.
Strategic Alignment:
- India seeks balanced relations while maintaining a strong stance on national sovereignty.
- Continued participation in multilateral platforms like BRICS and G20 to address larger regional issues.
Chinese Perspective
Proactive Diplomacy:
- Focus on mutual trust to promote bilateral engagement.
- Highlighted the importance of rebuilding public and economic ties.
Statements by China:
- Xi Jinping expressed interest in restarting relations, aligning them with fundamental bilateral goals.
Future Outlook
Steps Ahead:
- Continued negotiations on border issues.
- Incremental steps to resolve differences and reduce tensions.
Long-term Focus:
- Sustained efforts to rebuild confidence and ensure peaceful co-existence along the border.
- Enhanced people-to-people engagement and increased trade ties to stabilize relations.
Source: The Indian Express | Explained
India-China Relations: Notes
Historical Background
Ancient Relations:
- Cultural and civilizational linkages through Buddhism and trade along the Silk Route.
- Historical trade relations flourished through the ancient Silk Road.
Post-Independence:
- 1950: India recognized the People’s Republic of China.
- Panchsheel Agreement (1954): Five principles of peaceful coexistence signed between Nehru and Zhou Enlai.
- 1959 Tibetan Uprising: Dalai Lama’s asylum in India created diplomatic strains.
Sino-Indian War (1962):
- Triggered by border disputes in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.
- India suffered significant military setbacks, leading to deep mistrust.
Subsequent Engagements:
- 1976: Diplomatic relations restored.
- 1988: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit initiated normalisation of ties.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Economic Ties:
- China is one of India’s largest trading partners.
- Bilateral trade exceeded $135 billion in 2022, with a significant trade deficit favoring China.
- Indian exports: Raw materials (iron ore, cotton, and agricultural products).
- Indian imports: Electronics, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Multilateral Platforms:
- BRICS: Joint collaboration on financial mechanisms (New Development Bank).
- Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Regional security and counter-terrorism.
- United Nations: Cooperation on global governance, climate change, and counter-terrorism.
Cultural and Academic Exchanges:
- Revival of Buddhist heritage ties.
- Educational exchanges through scholarships for Indian students in Chinese universities.
Shared Global Concerns:
- Climate Change: Active participation in COP negotiations.
- G20 and WTO: Advocating for the interests of developing countries.
- Public Health: Joint efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Areas of Conflict
Border Disputes:
- Western Sector: Aksai Chin (claimed by India, controlled by China).
- Middle Sector: Disputes in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China as “South Tibet”).
- Key confrontations: Doklam standoff (2017) and Galwan Valley clashes (2020).
China’s String of Pearls Strategy:
- Encircling India through infrastructure projects in neighboring countries (e.g., Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka).
China-Pakistan Nexus:
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), violating India’s sovereignty.
- Military cooperation and arms supply.
Trade Imbalance:
- India faces a trade deficit of over $100 billion with China.
- Heavy dependence on Chinese imports, especially electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
- India opposes the BRI due to sovereignty concerns (CPEC) and its impact on regional connectivity.
Water Issues:
- China’s control over the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) and construction of dams raise concerns about water security.
Recent Developments
Post-Galwan Relations:
- The 2020 Galwan Valley clash led to a freeze in bilateral relations.
- Regular Corps Commander-level talks for de-escalation and disengagement.
2022-2023 Diplomatic Engagements:
- Talks during BRICS and G20 summits to manage border tensions.
- Modi-Xi meeting (2023): Emphasis on de-escalation and restoring normalcy.
Military Modernization:
- India enhancing border infrastructure and deploying advanced weaponry.
- China’s military build-up near the LAC and construction of dual-use villages.
Economic Restrictions:
- India imposed bans on over 300 Chinese apps (e.g., TikTok, WeChat) citing security concerns.
- Strict FDI norms for Chinese investments.
India’s Strategic Approach
Military Preparedness:
- Modernizing armed forces and strengthening border infrastructure.
- Collaboration with the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) for Indo-Pacific security.
Economic Strategy:
- Reducing dependency on Chinese imports through Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Diversifying trade partnerships with Southeast Asia, the EU, and the US.
Diplomatic Engagement:
- Balancing competition and cooperation in multilateral forums.
- Maintaining strategic autonomy in global geopolitics.
Regional Partnerships:
- Strengthening ties with neighboring countries to counter China’s influence (e.g., infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal).
Challenges Ahead
Trust Deficit:
- Border incidents and China’s lack of transparency on troop movements.
- Perceived Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas.
Economic Decoupling:
- Difficulties in reducing dependency on Chinese goods.
- Lack of comparable domestic manufacturing capacity.
Geopolitical Rivalry:
- Competition for regional dominance in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Cybersecurity Concerns:
- Increased cyber-attacks on Indian institutions allegedly linked to Chinese actors.
Way Forward
- Resolving Border Disputes:
- Finalizing agreements on the LAC with clearly demarcated boundaries.
- Strengthening confidence-building measures and hotline mechanisms.
- Enhancing Multilateral Cooperation:
- Leveraging platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20 to engage with China constructively.
- Economic Reforms:
- Encouraging domestic manufacturing to reduce trade dependence on China.
- Promoting regional value chains with ASEAN and QUAD countries.
- Strengthening Alliances:
- Deepening partnerships with the US, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN to counterbalance China.
- Public Diplomacy:
- Promoting cultural and educational exchanges to foster goodwill.
- Strategic Autonomy:
- Maintaining an independent foreign policy that balances relations with China and other global powers.
