15 January 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Notwithstanding the flashes of actual conflict, relations between China and India have never completely broken down, terming it at best, as “hot peace”. Elucidate. (150 Words/10 Marks)

ANSWER:

The 21st century is touted as the Asian century spearheaded by India and China. However, inimical and mutually competitive relations between the two countries have marred its prospects.

Flashes of actual conflict and areas of conflict between India and China:

1. Triple challenge from China over Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh – (a) Frequent military skirmishes + soldiers from both sides have died in combat; (b) China has built a network of bunkers, tunnels and fortified villages; (c) India has mobilized 100,000 soldiers close to the front line and worked on its own logistical infrastructure.

a. Conflicts include Doklam military standoff [2017]; skirmishes in Galwan valley [2020]

2. Longstanding issues in India-China relations include:

a. Widening trust deficit due to border disputes causing – (a) arms race; (b) huge defence expenditure diverting attention from development.

b. China’s growing presence in India’s neighborhood – (a) BRI causing a debt burden + CPEC violating India’s territorial sovereignty; (b) ‘String of Peals’ creating strategic challenges for India in the IOR.

c. Both the nations are emerging global powers and regional giants creating a strategic competition manifesting into other irritants such as – China blocking listing of terrorists initiated by India or UNSC reforms.

d. Asymmetry between the two nations in terms of economy + massive trade imbalance in favor of China + dumping of Chinese goods in Indian markets

 

However, there are convergences which have sustained the relationship:

1. Global South: (a) both are on the same page concerning the common but differentiated responsibilities in the climate change negotiations; (b) both countries have invested in the development initiatives in Global South.

2. Reforming global order: (a) cooperation in multinational institutions such as BRICS and SCO; (b) both support reforms of various international organizations like IMF, World Bank and WTO; (c) both have invested in new financial mechanisms like AIIB and NDB.

3. Economy: (a) both oppose the ‘Asian Premium’ that gulf countries charge on crude oil; (b) to deepen economic partnership, they have established various mechanisms to promote economic cooperation, such as the Strategic Economic Dialogue and the Joint Economic Group.

4. Additionally, experts argue that both China and India prioritize internal stability and economic growth. Major conflicts would be detrimental to their developmental goals.

 

For more such UPSC related Mains Answer Writing, Check Out 13 Januray 2025 : Daily Answer Writing