China is a South Asian country, sharing borders with 14 countries including India. Governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) since 1949, it has rapidly transformed into a global manufacturing hub and technological leader. Its significance lies in its economic rise in the region and hegemonic influence over smaller countries through loans and the Belt and Road Initiative.
As the epicenter of COVID-19, China faced global scrutiny over its pandemic response. Its strict zero-COVID policy and economic slowdowns have affected global markets, while trade disputes and technological restrictions with the US, EU, and India continue to shape its global relations.
China’s foreign policy is marked by its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), expanding influence through infrastructure projects, and territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and along the India-China border. It fought a war with India in 1962 over Aksai Chin, and tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), most recent being the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
India should quickly disembark imaginary horse of Vishwaguru, leave self – cuddling, tent of Vasudhaiva kuttumbakkam and assert it’s economic strength and cover it’s weakness of hostile neighborhood.
A contrarian thought. China is not entirely happy with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its durable, even growing, partnership with Russia would have blossomed without what one must call an ageing Tsar’s folly. Stuck in a quagmire for almost four years. Lasting damage to Russia’s economy and its relationship with the West. China itself does a lot of business with Europe and USA, will never be the first to initiate disruption. Although, if pushed to the wall with decoupling, deglobalisation, technology denial, will safeguard its vital interests. There is an element of opportunism in India seeking arbitrage through purchase of discounted Russian oil, angering the West. 2. The best outcome for all would be President Putin using the Budapest summit with President Trump to accept the graceful off-ramp being offered to him. Europe will not be so generous. He has its abiding hostility, backed by substantially increased defence spending.
print.in is the voice of NATO’s narratives in India.