(9) “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.
China’s increasing economic clout clubbed with superior military power has allowed China to project its ‘big power’ status not only in the region but beyond. China has one of the highest military expenditure, next only to the US. China has also become increasingly assertive in South China Sea as well as along Indo-China border. It has built infrastructure and deployed significant fire power. A recent report indicated that China has connected all its border post with roads to facilitate rapid movement of troops, machineries and supplies. In contrast, the Indian Border Roads has lagged severely behind.
China’s push to acquire preeminence if not dominance in global organizations and institutions has also been viewed by India with suspicion. The Belt and Road initiate is suspected by India to be on extension of the ‘string of pearls’ that was supposedly intended to contain India. Chinese expansion and acquisition of strategic ports such as Hambantota in Srilanka has caused disquiet among Indian strategic community.
In order to counter Chinese designs, India has opted to form close alliances with likeminded countries. There has been discussion about forming a quadrilateral between US, Australia, Japan and India to form an ‘Alliance of Democracies’ with clear reference to Authoritarian China. India has been reluctant to get drawn into the big power games. US ‘pivot to Asia’ had conceived that India be used as a swing to balance China. India, on the other hand aspires to be a leading global power and not a balancing power.
India has followed a twin approach to counter Chinese designs by engaging China multilaterally as well as directly. India has supported the ASEAN nations and expressed solidarity with the nations affected by Chinese expansion policies in South China Sea.
Moreover, India has attempted to bell the dragon by engaging it directly. Constant dialog without conceding space has allowed India to triumph. The Doklam standoff could be resolved amicably becomes of Indian steadfastness and clear headedness
Though, China describes its ascendance as ‘peaceful rise’, history shows that disagreements are bound to rise. Hence, the goal should be to prevent such disagreements from escalating into conflicts. India should focus on its own development (both economically as well as militarily) and not get dragged into the power games about to unfurl in Asia. India should continue to engage China bilaterally as well as multilaterally to resolve any disagreements. The adoption of instruments such as ASEAN “Code of Conduct” is indicative to the power of multilateral forums to resolve tensions.
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