GS2 PYQ 2017 (Mains Answer Writing): China's military hegemony in Asia | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

"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. (UPSC GS2 2017)

China has used its tremendous economic achievement in increasing its geo-political role around the world. It is using its Belt and Road initiative and Maritime Road Initiative along with a positive balance of trades to influence countries in their economic as well as political decisions. Impact on India Geographic 

• The rising China is leading towards geographic and economic encirclement of India. 
• China's presence in Djibouti nation, development of Chittagong port in Bangladesh, Kyaukpyu port in Myanmar, Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Gwadar Port in Pakistan is leading towards a string of pearls encircling India from all sides. 
• It is extending its boundaries in South China Sea (Senkaku islands in Japan) and thereby, restricting the right to navigation of all countries. 
• The proposed BRI passes through Pakistan- dominated Kashmir challenging our sovereignty. 

Economic

• It is dumping a number of products in Indian market at ultra-low prices to hurt the indigenous industries. 
• India suffers a huge trade deficit with China- around 51 billion dollars. 
• China is funding a lot of infrastructural projects in Asia and Africa under its BRI initiative which may lead to subjugating their economy to Chinese economy that can further be used to harm India in future. 

Strategic 

• The recent Doklam episode showed no initiative on the part of China for preventing a stand-off from escalating into a war. 
• It vetoed the inclusion of Majhood Azhar in the list of international terrorists. This gives encouragement to the terror organisations posing security threat to India. 
• Rising China is leading to decrease in the stature of India in its neighbourhood. The Nepal blockade put China in limelight whereas maligned India's relation with Nepal. The decision by International Court of Justice was not accepted by China. 
• This is also a dangerous precedent for India. Thus, India should work towards balancing China and improving its relations with all the nations. It should act vigorously on its frontier region development, military modernisation and regional economic integration etc to deal with rising China.

Topics covered - South Asian Geopolitics