Que. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

“चीन अपने आर्थिक संबंधों एवं सकारात्मक व्यापार अधिशेष को, एशिया में संभाव्य सैनिक शक्ति हैसियत को विकसित करने के लिए, उपकरणों के रूप में इस्तेमाल कर रहा है।” इस कथन के प्रकाश में, उसके पड़ोसी के रूप में भारत पर इसके प्रभाव पर चर्चा कीजिए।

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: In the introduction, explain how China uses its “economic relations” and “trade surplus” to enhance “military power,” and briefly mention India’s challenges due to this.

(ii) Main Body: Discuss the economic, security, geopolitical, and strategic impacts of China’s actions on India’s security, economic interests, and regional influence.

(iii) Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the implications for India and suggesting strategies India should adopt to safeguard its interests in the region.

Introduction 

China’s growing economic strength, backed by its “trade surplus” and strategic investments, is aimed at boosting its “military power status” in Asia. As India shares a border with China, this development poses serious implications for India’s security, regional stability, and economic interests.

Economic Impact on India

(i) Trade Imbalance: China’s significant “trade surplus” with India places India in an unfavorable economic position. India imports far more from China, which limits its ability to negotiate favorable trade terms and reduces India’s bargaining power in global markets.

(ii) Economic Dependency: India’s growing dependence on Chinese imports, particularly in sectors like electronics and machinery, makes India vulnerable to disruptions in the trade relationship. This dependency also creates concerns over the diversification of trade sources.

(iii) Impact on “Make in India”: China’s competitive manufacturing sector undercuts India’s “Make in India” initiative, making it difficult for Indian industries to compete with China’s low-cost and high-quality products. This hampers India’s attempts at industrial growth.

(iv) Competition in Infrastructure Projects: China’s economic clout in South Asia through projects like the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) is creating competition for India’s regional infrastructure projects. As China invests heavily in neighboring countries, India struggles to maintain influence in the region.

(v) Regional Economic Leadership: As China consolidates its economic power, India faces increasing challenges in asserting itself as the leading economic power in Asia. China’s economic dominance in Asia limits India’s ability to lead regional initiatives like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Security Concerns and Military Implications

(i) Military Modernization: China’s growing economic power is fueling its military modernization program. By investing heavily in defense technologies, including “advanced missile systems” and “artificial intelligence,” China is rapidly closing the military gap with India.

(ii) Territorial Expansion: China’s increased military capabilities support its territorial ambitions in the region, including disputes over areas like the “Doklam plateau” and the South China Sea. This poses a direct challenge to India’s territorial integrity and security.

(iii) Naval Expansion in the Indian Ocean: China’s expanding naval presence in the “Indian Ocean” is particularly concerning for India, as this maritime corridor is vital for India’s trade and security. China’s growing influence over critical sea routes poses a direct threat to India’s strategic interests.

(iv) Security Alliances with Pakistan: China’s military support to Pakistan, including the construction of infrastructure like “Gwadar port,” strengthens Pakistan’s military capabilities, posing a dual threat to India from both the western and northern borders.

(v) Cyber Warfare Capabilities: China is investing heavily in cybersecurity and cyber warfare, which could be used to target India’s critical infrastructure. China’s increasing cyber capabilities present a growing security threat to India’s digital landscape.

Geopolitical and Diplomatic Challenges

(i) Power Shift in Asia: China’s military and economic rise is shifting the power balance in Asia. As China’s influence grows, India’s regional leadership is being challenged, particularly in organizations like the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) and BRICS.

(ii) Diplomatic Influence in South Asia: China’s growing economic influence in India’s immediate neighborhood (e.g., Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal) through infrastructure investments and loans is eroding India’s traditional sphere of influence, making it harder for India to secure its strategic objectives.

(iii) Global Diplomacy: China’s use of economic diplomacy to further its global influence, such as through the “Belt and Road Initiative” and partnerships with international organizations, is making it more difficult for India to align countries in support of its position, particularly regarding regional disputes.

(iv) Alternative Regional Institutions: China’s initiatives like the “China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank” (AIIB) and the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) are gaining traction in Asia, challenging India’s leadership in regional institutions and efforts to form alternative alliances.

(v) Pressure on India’s Foreign Policy: India faces increasing diplomatic pressure to balance its relations with China, especially given China’s growing economic ties with other countries. This reduces India’s freedom to pursue a more assertive foreign policy without risking economic repercussions.

Strategic Responses from India

(i) Strengthening Alliances with Global Powers: India is strengthening its defense and diplomatic ties with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, particularly through the “Quad” partnership, to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

(ii) Investment in Defense and Technology: India is focusing on modernizing its military capabilities, particularly in areas like “cyber defense,” “artificial intelligence,” and “missile systems,” to reduce the technological gap with China and safeguard its strategic interests.

(iii) Boosting Regional Connectivity: India is working to improve infrastructure projects in its neighborhood, such as the “Chabahar port” in Iran and connectivity projects in South Asia, to counter China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) and maintain influence in the region.

(iv) Diversifying Trade Relations: India is focusing on reducing its economic dependence on China by diversifying trade relations with other countries and regions. Initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” aim to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on Chinese imports.

(v) Strengthening Regional Security Mechanisms: India is enhancing security cooperation within the “Indian Ocean Rim Association” (IORA), “Malabar Exercise,” and other regional security forums, improving defense preparedness and countering China’s increasing naval presence in the region.

Conclusion 

China’s rising economic and military power is reshaping the Asian security landscape, directly impacting India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests. To safeguard its position, India must enhance its defense capabilities, strengthen regional alliances, and reduce economic dependence on China.