Relevance : GS Paper II
Introduction
The second informal summit between India and China was held in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
Some stress points
- China’s position on issues such as
- Masood Azhar,
- India’s NSG membership,
- Trade gap,
- inroads into South Asia,
- support for Pakistan on J&K
have created turbulence in relationship. .
- China’s endorsement of the CPEC has been rejected by India as it passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
The thaw in relationship
- Both India and China are keen to deepen engagement and impart stability and predictability to their relations.
- For example, after the stand-off at Doklam (2017), the two leaders met within days at the BRICS Summit.
Way forward
- firewalling the bilateral track from third-party considerations,
- fighting stereotypes through objective media coverage,
- encouraging high level and other exchanges
- enhancing confidence building measures between the armed forces,
- balancing India’s trade deficit of $58 billion and
- injecting greater transparency in China’s growing presence in South Asia.
Conclusion
Neither China nor India can contain the other. Both are destined to rise. Much will depend on the choices we make.
