All questions of Alternative Centres of Power for Grade 12 Exam

Japan is true ? why here mention that china is largest contributer in un

$17 trillion

The Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) came into being on 16 April 1948. The organisation was created to allocate and distribute Marshall Plan aid and to plan for and effect a European Recovery Programme (ERP) for the countries of Western Europe.

The council of Europe established in 5 may 1949 one of the oldest and biggest European organisation which unifies 47 member State and promote the main principal of the human rights.

In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the EU by agreeing to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Answer:

The correct answer is option 'D', Twelve.

Explanation:

The given image shows a circle consisting of gold stars. To determine the number of stars that the circle has, we need to count the stars in the image.

Counting the stars in the image, we can see that there are a total of twelve stars in the circle. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D', Twelve.

In summary, the circle of gold stars has twelve stars.

ASEAN's Vision 2020: Outward-Looking Role in the International Community

ASEAN's Vision 2020 is a strategic plan that outlines the regional bloc's goals and aspirations for the future. It aims to transform ASEAN into a dynamic and resilient community that is able to cope with current and future challenges. One of the key elements of the vision is an outward-looking role for ASEAN in the international community.

What is an Outward-Looking Role?

An outward-looking role means that ASEAN is actively engaged with other countries and international organizations. It seeks to promote cooperation, dialogue, and partnerships with the global community. ASEAN recognizes that it cannot achieve its goals in isolation and that it needs to work with other countries to address common challenges.

Why is an Outward-Looking Role Important?

An outward-looking role is important for several reasons:

• It enables ASEAN to build relationships with other countries and international organizations, which can lead to economic, political, and social benefits.


• It helps ASEAN to influence global policies and decision-making processes, particularly on issues that affect the region.


• It enhances ASEAN's reputation and standing in the international community, which can lead to greater respect and recognition.


• It enables ASEAN to learn from other countries and international organizations, which can help to improve its own policies and practices.

How is ASEAN Pursuing an Outward-Looking Role?

ASEAN is pursuing an outward-looking role in several ways:

• It has established partnerships with other countries and international organizations, such as the ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN-EU.


• It is actively involved in regional and global issues, such as climate change, terrorism, and trade.


• It has engaged in dialogue and cooperation with other countries and international organizations on issues of mutual interest.


• It has promoted regional integration and connectivity, which can help to build bridges with other countries and regions.

Conclusion

ASEAN's Vision 2020 aims to transform ASEAN into a dynamic and resilient community that is able to cope with current and future challenges. An outward-looking role is an important part of this vision, as it enables ASEAN to build relationships, influence global policies, enhance its reputation, and learn from other countries and international organizations. ASEAN is pursuing an outward-looking role through partnerships, engagement, dialogue, and regional integration.

China's Economic Success and Rise as a Great Power

Since 1978, China has undergone extensive economic reforms that have led to its economic success and rise as a great power. This answer will explain how this has happened and why 1978 is an important year in this story.

The Reform and Opening-Up Policy

In 1978, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping initiated the Reform and Opening-Up Policy, which aimed to modernize the Chinese economy and increase its integration with the global economy. This policy involved several key reforms:

- Decentralization of economic decision-making: The policy gave more decision-making power to local officials and enterprises, allowing them to respond more quickly to market demands.
- Introduction of market principles: The policy allowed for the growth of private enterprise and foreign investment, and reduced the role of central planning in the economy.
- Special Economic Zones: The policy designated certain areas as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where foreign investors could operate with fewer restrictions and enjoy tax breaks. These SEZs became hubs of economic activity and helped to attract foreign investment.

The results of these reforms were dramatic. China's GDP grew at an average rate of 9.5% per year between 1978 and 2018, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and making China the world's second-largest economy.

China's Rise as a Great Power

China's economic success has been closely linked to its rise as a great power. The country's economic growth has allowed it to invest heavily in its military, technology, and infrastructure, making it a formidable competitor on the world stage. Here are some of the ways in which China has become a great power:

- Military: China has the world's largest standing army and has invested heavily in modernizing its military capabilities, including developing advanced weapons systems and expanding its navy.
- Technology: China has become a leader in several cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and renewable energy.
- Infrastructure: China has launched several ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect China with countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure.

Conclusion

Since 1978, China's economic success has been closely linked to its rise as a great power. The Reform and Opening-Up Policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping allowed for the modernization and integration of the Chinese economy, leading to dramatic economic growth. This growth has allowed China to invest heavily in its military, technology, and infrastructure, making it a formidable competitor on the world stage.

The Marshall Plan

The U.S. extended massive financial help for reviving Europe’s economy through the Marshall Plan.

Background:

- After World War II, Europe was devastated, and its economy was in shambles.
- The U.S. recognized the need to help Europe rebuild its economy to prevent the spread of communism.
- Secretary of State George C. Marshall announced the Marshall Plan on June 5, 1947.

Details of the Plan:

- The Marshall Plan was a massive aid program that provided economic assistance to Western Europe.
- The U.S. offered $13 billion (about $130 billion in today’s dollars) in aid to 16 countries over four years.
- The money was to be used for reconstruction and modernization of industry, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- The aid was conditional on the recipient countries cooperating with each other and with the U.S. in implementing the plan.
- The plan was a success, and Europe’s economy recovered faster than expected.

Impact of the Plan:

- The Marshall Plan helped revive Europe’s economy and prevented the spread of communism.
- It also strengthened the U.S.’s position as a world leader and helped establish the U.S. as a superpower.
- The plan was seen as a symbol of U.S. generosity and goodwill towards Europe.

Conclusion:

The Marshall Plan was a significant achievement in U.S. foreign policy history. It helped rebuild Europe’s economy and prevented the spread of communism. The plan also established the U.S. as a world leader and superpower.

The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are: (i) to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (ii) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries.

The OEEC negotiated a multilateral agreement on intra-European payments. That was followed, in 1949, by a trade liberalization scheme. While NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means.

China has a larger share of world trade than the U.S.

Reasons for China's Larger Share of World Trade:
- Population: China has a population of over 1.4 billion people, which provides a large domestic market for goods and services.
- Manufacturing: China has become known as the world's factory due to its vast manufacturing capabilities and low labor costs. Many multinational corporations have set up factories in China to take advantage of these factors.
- Trade agreements: China has signed numerous trade agreements with other countries, which have helped to increase its trade volume.
- Infrastructure: China has invested heavily in its infrastructure, including building new ports, highways, and railways, which has made it easier and more efficient to move goods in and out of the country.

Comparison to the U.S.:
- While the U.S. is still a major player in world trade, China has surpassed it in terms of total trade volume.
- Some factors that have contributed to the U.S. falling behind include a decline in manufacturing, a smaller population, and trade tensions with other countries.
- However, the U.S. still has a higher GDP per capita and is a significant consumer market for goods and services.

In conclusion, China's larger share of world trade can be attributed to several factors, including its population, manufacturing capabilities, trade agreements, and infrastructure. While the U.S. is still a major player in world trade, it has fallen behind China in terms of total trade volume.

Establishment of OEEC

The Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was established on 16th April 1948. It was formed to administer the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. The OEEC was a predecessor of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Background

After World War II, Europe was in ruins, and the economies of most European countries were devastated. The United States, through the Marshall Plan, provided economic aid to European countries to help them rebuild their economies. The Marshall Plan was a massive aid program that provided funds, equipment, and technical assistance to help European countries rebuild their industries and infrastructure.

Formation of OEEC

The OEEC was established to administer the funds provided by the Marshall Plan. The OEEC was created by a treaty signed by 16 European countries and the United States. The headquarters of the OEEC was located in Paris, France.

Functions of OEEC

The main function of the OEEC was to help European countries rebuild their economies by coordinating the distribution of the aid provided by the Marshall Plan. The OEEC also provided technical assistance to European countries to help them modernize their industries and infrastructure.

Legacy

The OEEC was dissolved in 1961 and was replaced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD is an international organization that promotes economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. Today, the OECD has 37 member countries and is headquartered in Paris, France.

The ASEAN region as a whole is a much smaller economy compared to the US, the EU, and Japan, its economy is growing much faster than all these.

Understanding the Assertion and Reason
The Assertion (A) states that the establishment of the European Union (EU) in 1992 was a direct result of the disintegration of the USSR. The Reason (R) suggests that the Cold War fostered economic and political cooperation among European nations after World War II.
Evaluation of Assertion (A)
- The assertion is true. The disintegration of the USSR in 1991 led to a shift in geopolitical dynamics in Europe. This new environment allowed for greater integration among European countries, culminating in the Maastricht Treaty, which formally established the EU in 1992.
Evaluation of Reason (R)
- The reason is also true. After World War II, the Cold War indeed encouraged European nations to cooperate economically and politically. Institutions such as the European Economic Community (EEC) were founded to promote unity and peace in a divided continent.
Relationship Between Assertion and Reason
- Although both the assertion and reason are true, the reason does not adequately explain the assertion. The establishment of the EU was more directly connected to the dissolution of the USSR and the subsequent political landscape than to the previous cooperation fostered during the Cold War.
Conclusion
- Therefore, while both statements are correct, the reason does not serve as a valid explanation for the assertion. This is why the correct answer is option B: both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.

The Ruin of European Economies

The European states confronted the ruin of their economies after the end of World War II. The war left Europe devastated, with many of its cities and industries destroyed. The economies of the European states were in shambles, and the continent was facing a humanitarian crisis.

Destroying Assumptions and Structures

In order to rebuild their economies and societies, the European states had to destroy many of the assumptions and structures on which Europe had been founded. These included:

1. Colonialism: The European states had to abandon their colonial empires and grant independence to their former colonies. This was a significant shift in the way the European states had been operating for centuries.

2. Nationalism: The European states had to abandon their nationalist tendencies and work together to rebuild the continent. This led to the formation of organizations such as the European Union.

3. Military Dominance: The European states had to abandon their military dominance and work towards peaceful cooperation with their neighbors. This led to the formation of NATO and other international organizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the European states confronted the ruin of their economies after World War II and had to destroy many of the assumptions and structures on which Europe had been founded. This was necessary in order to rebuild their economies and societies and create a more peaceful and prosperous Europe.

Ever since the 1962 war, China never initiated any concrete steps to improve its relations with India. Both the countries entered into tensions regarding the issue over their borders. China keeps on claiming the territories of Ladakh.

Explanation of the Statements
The question involves evaluating four statements related to international organizations and historical policies. Let's break them down.
Statement 1: ASEAN was formed as an alternative to the Non-Aligned Movement.
- This statement is true.
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 to promote regional stability and economic growth, partly as a response to the geopolitical context of the Cold War, where the Non-Aligned Movement sought to provide a third path for countries not aligning with either the US or the USSR.
Statement 2: The European Union was formed in 1949 after the Second World War.
- This statement is false.
- The European Union (EU) was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. However, its precursor, the European Economic Community (EEC), was created in 1957. The year 1949 is associated with the formation of NATO, not the EU.
Statement 3: China’s Open Door Policy was introduced by Deng Xiaoping in 1978.
- This statement is true.
- Deng Xiaoping introduced the Open Door Policy in 1978, which aimed to open China to foreign investment and international trade, marking a significant shift in China's economic approach.
Statement 4: The Indian National Congress dominated the first three general elections.
- This statement is true.
- The Indian National Congress won the majority of seats in the first three general elections held in 1951-52, 1957, and 1962, solidifying its political dominance in post-independence India.
Conclusion
Based on the evaluations, statements 1, 3, and 4 are true, making option 'C' the correct answer.

European Union is an international organization consisting of European countries, which was formed in 1993. It came into force after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty by 28 countries. The Maastricht Treaty is also known as the Treaty of the European Union (TEU). It never acts as a dictator, rather it facilitates and promotes peace and the well-being of EU citizens.

The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect on January 1, 2010. This agreement was signed on August 13, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand, between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India.

Reasons for the Agreement
The agreement was aimed at boosting trade and investment between the ASEAN member countries and India. The ASEAN-India FTA aimed to create a free trade area between the ASEAN and India by eliminating tariffs on goods traded between the two parties.

Impact of the Agreement
The ASEAN-India FTA has had a significant impact on the trade and investment relationship between India and ASEAN. It has helped increase trade between the two parties by reducing trade barriers and improving market access. The agreement has also encouraged investment flows between the two regions, leading to increased economic growth and development.

Conclusion
The ASEAN-India FTA, which came into effect in 2010, has been a significant milestone in the economic relationship between the ASEAN member countries and India. The agreement has helped increase trade and investment between the two parties, leading to increased economic growth and development.

The Euro currency has the potential to pose a threat to the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Here's why:

Economic Size and Stability:
- The Eurozone is the largest economic region in the world, with a GDP of over $13 trillion, compared to the U.S.'s GDP of around $21 trillion.
- The European Union (EU) also has a stable economy with a relatively low unemployment rate and a strong social welfare system.

International Trade:
- The Euro is the second-most traded currency in the world, behind only the U.S. dollar.
- Many countries, particularly in Europe, conduct their international trade in Euros, rather than U.S. dollars.

Geopolitical Factors:
- The U.S. dollar's dominance has historically been tied to America's position as a global superpower, but as other countries, particularly China, rise in economic and political power, the U.S. dollar's position may weaken.
- The EU's political influence is also growing, with the EU and its member states taking on a larger role in international affairs.

However, it is important to note that the U.S. dollar still holds a significant advantage over the Euro in several areas, including:

- The U.S. dollar is the world's primary reserve currency, meaning that many countries hold large amounts of U.S. dollars as a store of value and for international transactions.
- The U.S. has a large and influential financial sector, which has helped to maintain the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global markets.

Overall, while the Euro does have the potential to challenge the U.S. dollar's dominance in the future, it is unlikely to do so in the near term.

Assertion: The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India–China relations.

Reason: After India regained its independence from Britain, and China expelled the foreign powers, there was hope that both would come together to shape the future of the developing world and of Asia particularly.

The correct answer is option 'B': Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:

The statement in the assertion is true. The conflict of 1962 was a significant event in the history of India-China relations. It resulted in military reverses for India, with China gaining control over territory in the northeastern part of India. This conflict had long-term implications for the bilateral relations between the two countries. It created a sense of mistrust and hostility, which continues to impact their relationship to this day.

The reason given in the statement is also true. After India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, and China expelled foreign powers from its territory, there was hope that both countries would come together to shape the future of the developing world and Asia in particular. They shared a common history of colonization and had a similar vision of promoting the interests of developing countries on the global stage.

However, the reason does not adequately explain why the conflict of 1962 had long-term implications for India-China relations. While the hope for collaboration and partnership existed, the conflict highlighted the underlying territorial disputes and conflicting geopolitical interests between the two countries. It shattered the hopes of a harmonious relationship and led to a deterioration of ties.

The conflict of 1962 not only impacted the immediate military and territorial aspects but also had wider ramifications in terms of diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions. It led to a significant shift in India's foreign policy towards a more cautious and defensive stance vis-à-vis China. It also influenced the strategic calculations of both countries in the larger context of the Cold War and the power dynamics in Asia.

In conclusion, while both the assertion and the reason are true, the reason does not adequately explain the long-term implications of the conflict of 1962 for India-China relations. The conflict had far-reaching consequences that went beyond the initial hopes and aspirations of collaboration between the two countries.

China often claims that the countries on its vicinity belong to them. The reason behind this claim is the history of China’s dynastic rule over the parts of these areas.

The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. It was formed in the year 1992.

ASEAN, was to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development and to promote peace and security in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN: A Rapidly Growing Regional Organization

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a regional organization that is rapidly growing into a significant regional organization. It was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) by the five founding member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. ASEAN has since expanded its membership to include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Economic Growth and Integration

ASEAN is rapidly growing into a significant regional organization because of its economic growth and integration. ASEAN is the world's fifth-largest economy and one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. With a population of over 650 million people, ASEAN is a significant market for global trade and investment.

ASEAN has established several free trade agreements (FTAs) with its trading partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, to boost trade and investment in the region. These FTAs have helped to increase the flow of goods, services, and capital within the region and beyond.

Regional Security and Cooperation

ASEAN is rapidly growing into a significant regional organization because of its regional security and cooperation. ASEAN has established several mechanisms to promote regional peace and stability, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), and the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF).

ASEAN has also established several cooperation frameworks to address regional challenges such as climate change, transnational crime, and disaster management. These frameworks include the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (ATHP), and the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

Conclusion

ASEAN is rapidly growing into a significant regional organization because of its economic growth and integration, as well as its regional security and cooperation. ASEAN has become an important player in the global economy and a key partner for regional and global security. ASEAN's continued growth and development will be critical to the future of the region and the world.

Countries that have resisted the European Union's integrationist agenda

Denmark and Sweden have resisted the European Union's integrationist agenda. The EU's integrationist agenda refers to the EU's efforts to create a deeper and more closely integrated union among its member states. This includes the creation of a common market, a common currency, and a common foreign and security policy.

Denmark and Sweden are both members of the EU, but they have opted out of some of the EU's policies and initiatives. This is known as "opting out" or "opting in" of EU policies.

Denmark's opt-outs

Denmark has opted out of several EU policies and initiatives, including:

- The euro: Denmark has decided to keep its own currency, the Danish krone, and has not adopted the euro.
- The Charter of Fundamental Rights: Denmark has opted out of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights, which is a legally binding document that sets out fundamental rights and freedoms for EU citizens.
- Justice and Home Affairs: Denmark has opted out of some EU policies related to justice and home affairs, including the European Arrest Warrant and the EU's asylum and immigration policies.

Sweden's opt-outs

Sweden has also opted out of some EU policies and initiatives, including:

- The euro: Like Denmark, Sweden has decided to keep its own currency, the Swedish krona, and has not adopted the euro.
- Justice and Home Affairs: Sweden has opted out of some EU policies related to justice and home affairs, including the European Arrest Warrant and the EU's asylum and immigration policies.

In conclusion, while Denmark and Sweden are both members of the EU, they have opted out of some of the EU's policies and initiatives. This is a form of resistance to the EU's integrationist agenda.

Establishment of ASEAN

Introduction: ASEAN stands for Association of South East Asian Nations. It is a regional intergovernmental organization that was established on August 8, 1967. It is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Establishment: ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand. The five founding members of ASEAN were Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Objectives: ASEAN was established with the following objectives:

- To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
- To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law.
- To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields.
- To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, and technical spheres.
- To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples.
- To promote Southeast Asian studies.

Expansion of ASEAN: Since its establishment, ASEAN has expanded to include 10 member countries. The five founding members were later joined by Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Conclusion: ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, with the objective of promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region and promoting regional peace and stability. Since then, ASEAN has expanded to include 10 member countries.

Amid the contestation of the egos of the powerful nations like China and USA, it becomes difficult to maintain the balance in the contemporary world. You never know when and where you may offend the interests of these nations.

EU Members with Permanent Seats on the UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is composed of 15 members, with five permanent members (P5) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Two of these permanent members are EU members, namely Britain and France.

Britain and France: The Two EU Members with Permanent Seats on the UN Security Council

1. Britain: Britain is a founding member of the United Nations and one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. It has held a permanent seat since the UN's inception in 1945. Britain is also a member of the European Union, which it joined in 1973.

2. France: France is another founding member of the United Nations and one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. It has held a permanent seat since 1945. France is also a member of the European Union, which it joined in 1957.

Conclusion

In conclusion, two EU members hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council, which are Britain and France. These two countries have been permanent members of the Security Council since the UN's inception in 1945 and are important players in international affairs.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a regional intergovernmental organization that was established on August 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The primary objective of ASEAN was to promote economic cooperation and regional stability among its member countries. However, over the years, ASEAN broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres.

Regional Security: ASEAN has become an important regional security forum that focuses on promoting regional peace and stability. It has played an active role in managing conflicts in the region, such as the Cambodian conflict, the South China Sea dispute, and the Rakhine crisis in Myanmar.

Political Cooperation: ASEAN has also developed political cooperation among its member countries. Its main objective is to promote democracy, good governance, and human rights in the region. ASEAN has established various mechanisms to facilitate political dialogue and cooperation among its member states.

Cultural Cooperation: ASEAN has recognized the importance of cultural cooperation in promoting regional integration. It has established the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) to promote cultural exchange, social development, and human resource development in the region.

Environmental Cooperation: ASEAN has recognized the importance of environmental protection and has taken steps to promote sustainable development in the region. It has established the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to address the issue of transboundary haze pollution that affects the region.

Conclusion: In conclusion, ASEAN has broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres to become a regional organization that promotes regional security, political cooperation, cultural exchange, environmental protection, and sustainable development. ASEAN has played an important role in promoting regional peace and stability and has become an important forum for regional cooperation and integration.

During the April 2005 visit of Premier Wen Jiabao, the two sides established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, while the signing of an agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, signalled the successful conclusion of the first phase of SR Talks.

ASEAN Regional Forum was established in 1994. The main objectives of ARF was to accelerate economic growth and through that achieve social progress and cultural development.

Unlike the European Union, ASEAN has no custodian responsible for keeping this 10-nation bloc going. The association lacks strong institutions to ensure the success of the implementation of its collective decisions.

In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the European Union by agreeing to establish an ASEAN community comprising three pillars: the ASEAN security community, the ASEAN economic community, and the ASEAN socio-cultural community. The ten stalks of rice in the ASEAN flag and insignia represent the ten southeast Asian countries bound together in solidarity.

Looking at the recent scenario, China and USA seem to be creating problems for AESAN. Recently, both the countries are not enjoying good relations with each other.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China in December 1988. During this visit, both sides agreed to develop and expand bilateral relations in all fields. It was also agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) - to seek fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solutions on the boundary question - and a Joint Economic Group (JEG).

On April 1, 1950, China and India established diplomatic relations. India was the first non-socialist country to establish relations with the People’s Republic of China. “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai“ has become a catchphrase from that time and a much-told story in the history of bilateral exchanges.

On June 23, 2003, China and India signed the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India.