Important Questions: Contemporary Centres of Power

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Write two achievements of ASEAN.
Ans:

• ASEAN economies are among the fastest growing economies in the world
• Scope of activities of ASEAN is very wide. It wants its members to excel and develop in all fields.

Q2: State any two features of the European Union that make it an influential organisation.
Ans: 

Q3: Why was ASEAN established.
Ans: ASEAN was established to accelerate economic growth and through that social progress and cultural development.

Q4: What is meant by 'ASEAN Way'?
Ans: 'ASEAN Way' is a form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.

Q5: What were the objectives of founding the European Union?
Ans: The main objective of founding the European Union was to establish an economic and political organisation of the European States.

Q6: Name any two founder member states of ASEAN.
Ans:

• Indonesia
• Malaysia.

Q7: What does the logo on the ASEAN flag symbolise?
Ans: The Logo on the ASEAN flag symbolises the ten Southeast Asian Countries bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle symbolises the unity of ASEAN.

Q8: Since the end of the Cold War, there have been significant changes in India-China relations. Identify anyone such change.
Ans: Since the end of the Cold War, India-China relations now have a strategic as well as an economic dimension.

Q9: Correct the following statement and rewrite ASEAN stands for Association of South East African Nations.
Or
What does ASEAN stand for?
Ans: ASEAN stands for Association of South East Asian Nations.

Q10: In which year the European Union was established?
Ans: 1992

Q11:  What is the common currency of the EU?
Ans: EURO

Q12: Name any two older members of the EU.
Ans: Austria and Denmark

Q13: Name any two new members of the EU.
Ans: Estonia and Poland.

Q14: What does the circle with golden stars on the European Union flag stand for?
Ans: The circle with golden stars on the European Union flag stands for solidarity and harmony between the people of Europe.

Q15: Mention the major challenges faced in Europe after the Second World War.
Ans: 

• Shattered many assumptions and structures on which European states maintained their relations.
• The European states confronted the ruin of economies and the destruction on which Europe had been founded.

Q16: What is the European Union?
Ans: European Union is a group of European states established in 1992 for a common goal of foreign and security policy, cooperation and home affairs.

Q17: What was the Marshall Plan?
Ans: Marshall Plan was introduced by America to provide financial help for the revival of the European economy.

Q18: Name two countries of the European Union who opposed America's Iraq invasion.
Ans: Germany and France.

Q19: What is the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)?
Ans: The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), established in 1994, is a platform for dialogue and cooperation on security and foreign policy issues among ASEAN members and their dialogue partners.

Q20: What is the significance of the ASEAN flag?
Ans: In the ASEAN logo, the ten stellar of paddy (rice) represent the ten South East Asian countries bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle symbolizes the unity of ASEAN.

Q21: When did People's Republic of China  get independence?
Ans: 1949

Q22: What is SEZs (Special Economic Zones)?
Ans: Special Economic Zones are created to set up their own enterprises by foreign investors.

Q23: Mention the three pillars formed in ASEAN.
Ans: 

• The ASEAN Security Community
  
• The ASEAN Economic Community
• The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Q24: Which four common symbols make the European Union look like a nation-state?
Ans: The European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency.

Q25: Mention any two steps taken by China to improve its economy.
Ans: 

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were created to invite foreign investors to set up their own enterprises.
• The privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.

Q26: Mention the agreements signed between India and ASEAN.
Ans: 

• India signed Free Trade Areas (FTAs) with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
• India is trying to sign on FTA with ASEAN itself.

Q27: What are the odds which limit the ability of the EU?
Ans: European Union is a supernational organization but in many areas, its member states have their own foreign relations and defense policies that are often at odds as: 

• British Prime Minister Tony Blair supported the US's Iraq invasion and many new members made US-led 'coalition of willing' while Germany and France opposed it.
• Denmark and Sweden have resisted the adoption of the Euro.

Q28: "The European Union is a nation state more than an Economic Union". Justify the statement. 
Ans: The European Union has now started to act more like a nation-state because:

• European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and the common currency.
• European Union bears common foreign and security policy.
• The EU has made efforts to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from Soviet bloc.

Q29: How can we say that ASEAN is an economic association?
Ans: To more extent, it can be said that ASEAN is an economic association:

• ASEAN Economic Community aims to create open market and production based activities within ASEAN states.
• ASEAN has created Free Trade Areas (FTAs) for investment, labor, and services.
• The current economic strength of ASEAN as a trading and investment partner to the growing Asian economies as India and China make this attractive proposition.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q30: In which four ways did the new economic policy of China benefit its: economy?
Ans:

• The Chinese economy, including both industry and agriculture, grew at a faster rate.
• China became a member of W.T.O. in 2001.
• China emerged as an economic superpower in Asia.
• China has become the most important destination for foreign direct investment anywhere in the world.

Q31: Mention any four significant: changes in Indo-China relations that have taken place after the Cold War.
Ans: After the end of Cold-War there were following significant changes which took place in Indo-China relations:

• Both countries have improved their relation not only in politics but also in the economic field also. Their relations now have a strategic as well as economic dimension. India and China have adopted international economic institution like the "World Trade Organisation'.
• Both governments have agreed to contain conflicts and maintain 'peace and tranquillity' on borders.
• China and India have also signed agreements on cultural exchange and co-operation in science and technology. They mutually opened four border posts for trade.
• Since 1999, Indo-China trade is growing 30% per year.

Q32: How has the European Union evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one?
Ans: European Union is a very strong organisation of European countries. European Union is also called the European Common Market or European Common Community. The European Union is the world's largest economy with a GDP of more than $12 trillion in 2005. Within a short period of time, it became a very powerful economic and political organisation. It has its own parliament, own flag, anthem and its own currency. The E.U. also exercises political and diplomatic influence.

Q33: Describe any four long-term implication of the conflict of 1962 between India and China.
Ans: Following are the long term implications of the conflict of 1962 between India and China.

• By waging war in 1962, China was able to capture thousands of miles of Indian territory, which is still under its possession.
• It ended the diplomatic relations between India and China from 1962-1976.
• No Indian Prime-minister made any tour to China till 1988.
• China too adopted a hostile attitude during the Indo Pak war, but relations started improving since the time of Indira Gandhi.

Q34: Explain the New Economic Policy of China since 1978.
Ans:

• In 1978, Deng Xiaoping adopted the 'Open Door' policy and economic reforms in China.
• China started privatisation in the agricultural sector in 1982.
• China started privatisation in the industrial sector in 1998.
• Trade barriers were removed from the Special Economic Zone where foreign investors could set up their enterprises.

Q35: Explain the political, diplomatic influence of the European Union as a supernational organization.
Ans:  Political and Diplomatic Influence of the European Union:

• The European Union (EU), as a supranational organisation, plays a major role in global politics and diplomacy.

• France (formerly with the UK before Brexit) holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, giving the EU influence in UN policy decisions.

• Several EU members also serve as non-permanent members, ensuring its continued presence in global governance.

• Through its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the EU engages in diplomatic dialogues on human rights, climate change, trade, and global security, strengthening its role as a global political actor.

Q36: What are the objectives behind the formation of ASEAN?
Ans: The objectives behind the formation of ASEAN are as follows:

• Territorial disputes should not escalate into armed confrontations.
• To accelerate economic growth through social progress and cultural development.
• To promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations ; charter.
• To establish a Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes.
• To create Free Trade Areas for investment, labor and services.

Q37: Describe any four significant characteristics of ASEAN.
Ans: 

• To create a common market and production based activities within the ASEAN States.
• To aid social and economic development.
• To resolve economic disputes, the existing dispute settlement mechanism has been improved.
• Free Trade Areas for investment, labor, and services have also been created.

Q38: What role has been played by the European Union in solving the problems of the European countries?
Ans: 

• The European Union (EU) functions as a major bloc in international organisations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) to protect and promote the economic interests of its member countries.

• It has expanded cooperation by including new members, especially from the former Soviet bloc, thereby promoting peace, stability, and development in Eastern Europe.

• The EU plays an influential role in the United Nations, as its two members-France and formerly the United Kingdom-have held permanent seats on the UN Security Council.

• It has become a major force in diplomacy, economic investment, and global negotiations, helping European nations address shared challenges through collective action and coordination.

Q39: Why India and China both view themselves as rising powers in global politics in spite of tensions between them? Substantiate your answer by giving any four events that have brought cordiality in their relationship.
Ans: Due to Indian initiatives, Indo-China relations improved. In 1954, India signed famous Panchsheel starting a new era of Indo-China friendship. But after 1957 some contentious issues had arisen between them:

• Tibet Problem
• Border Issues
• Chinese Attack in 1962
• Chinese Assistance to Pakistan.
  

Gradually, both countries came together to develop harmonious relations between themselves:

• Attempt to normalize relations were restored by exchange of ambassadors.
• Joint Working Group was set up by both the countries to resolve the border dispute.
• Both of them committed to reducing the forces on the Indo-China border.
• Indian and Chinese leadership and official visits with great frequency.
•  Increasing transportation and communication links, common economic interests and global concerns.

Q40: Why was the European Union founded? What were its objectives and significance?
Ans: The European Union was founded in 1992 for a common foreign and security policy, cooperation on justice and home affairs and to create a single currency. 
Objectives:

• The circle of gold stars on the flag stands for solidarity and harmony between the European Union States.
• To expand areas of co-operation while acquiring new members especially from Soviet bloc.

Q41: Why ASEAN was established?
Ans: ASEAN is the regional association to provide a political forum to discuss political and security concerns:

• Before and during the Second World War, the southeastern region of Asia suffered the economic and political consequences of repeated colonialism, both European and Japanese
•  At the end of the war, it confronted problems of nation-building, the progress of poverty and economic backwardness and the pressure to align with one great power or another during the cold war.

Q42: "China has emerged as the third alternative to world power". Examine.
Ans: China emerged as the third alternative to world power since its economic reforms of 1978 as China has been the fastest growing economy since the reforms first began there:

• China is projected to overtake the US as the world's largest economy by 2040.
• Its economic integration into the region makes it drive of East Asian growth.
• Its strength of economy are population, landmass, resources, regional location, political influence, added to its power.

Q43: How did China end its political and economic isolation?
Ans: China had adopted the Soviet model of an economy. Despite development, China faced an economic crisis as industrial production was not growing fast, international trade was minimal. Under these situations, some major policy decisions were taken:

• China established relations with the US in 1972.
• China proposed four areas of modernization as agriculture, industry, science, and technology in 1973.
• Open door policy was introduced to generate higher productivity by an investment of capital and technology from abroad.
• Privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.
• China set Special Economic Zones to remove trade barriers.

Q44: "Chinese economy has been recognized at the global level". Justify.
Ans: China has introduced an open market economy which is moving China towards global economy due to the following facts:

• The integration of Chinese-economy and interdependencies has enabled China to have considerable influence with its trade partners.
• The open door policy has stabilized the ASEAN economy.
• China's outward looking for investment and aid policies in Latin America and Africa are protecting China as a global player.

Q45: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
ASEAN was and still remains principally an economic association. While 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. This accounts for the growth in its influence both in the region and beyond. The objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community are to create a common market and production base within the ASEAN States and to aid social and economic development in the region. The Economic Community would also like to improve the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes. ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labor, and services. The US and China have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN.
(i) What is the objective of the ASEAN Economic Community?
(ii) Why did ASEAN establish Free Trade Areas (FTAs)?
(iii) How ASEAN Economic Community would resolve economic disputes?
(iv) Which countries have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN and why?
Ans:
(i) To create a common market and production based activities within ASEAN states itself and to aid social and economic development.
(ii) Free Trade Areas have been established for investment, labor and services.
(iii) By improving the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
(iv) ASEAN is rapidly growing into areas of the regional organization with its Vision 2020.

Q46: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India-China relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until 1976. Thereafter, relations between the two countries began to improve slowly. After the change in China's political leadership from the mid to late 1970s, China's policy became more pragmatic and less ideological. So it was prepared to, put off the settlement of contentious issues while improving relations with India. A series of talks to resolve the border issue were also initiated in 1981.
(i) Why did India suffer military reverses as a result of the conflict of 1962?
(ii) When did the relations between India and China begin to improve?
(iii) What was the change in the policy of China in the seventies?
(iv) Which efforts were made to resolve the border issues between India and China?
Ans:
(i) Due to territorial claims principally in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
(ii) From the mid to late 1970s.
(iii) China's policy became more pragmatic and less ideological in the seventies.
(iv)
(a) It prepared to put off settlements of contentious issues.
(b) A series of talks to resolve the border issues were initiated in 1981.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q47: Analyse the basis of the projection of China to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy by 2040.
Ans: 

• After the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1990, it looked, as if, the world has become unipolar. But in reality, it is not so. China is growing as a great power. In the economic sphere, China's economy is growing very fast. It is projected to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy by 2040.
• After the inception of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Soviet model of planned and State-controlled economy was followed. But in 1970, the Chinese leadership took major policy decisions i.e., China ended its political and economic isolation with the establishment of relations with the United States. In 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the four modernisation i.e., agriculture, industry, science and technology and military in 1973. By 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping adopted the 'Open Door Policy' and economic reforms in China. China's economic success since 1978 has been linked to its rise as a great power.
• China followed its own path in introducing a market economy. The privatisation of agriculture in 1982 was followed by the privatisation of industry in 1998. Trade barriers were removed in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where foreign investors could set up enterprises. Past-Mao China established an all-time global record in doubling per capita output between 1977 and 1987. According to the World Bank's purchasing power parity (PPP) estimated, China with 1994, GDP of just under $ 8.3 trillion has become the second-largest economy in the world, after the United States.
• According to a Rand study, China's GDP will reach $11.3 trillion by the year 2010 as compared to $10.7 trillion for the United States. China has large foreign exchange reserves and in a position to make big investments in other countries. China is a member of the World Trade Organisation. The country plans to deepen its integration into the world economy and shape the future world economic order. It is estimated that China's economy would become the largest economy in the world by the end of 2040.
  
  

Q48: Describe the aims and achievements of the Association of South East-Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Ans: The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok. The Bangkok (Thailand) Declaration was signed by five original member countries of this region: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined the Association on January 8, 1984. On July 28, 1995, Vietnam became the seventh member of ASEAN. Laos and Myanmar were admitted into ASEAN on July 20, 1997.
Aims of ASEAN: Main aims of ASEAN are as follows:

• To accelerate the economic growth of the member countries.
• To promote the social and cultural development of the region through co-operative programmes.
• To safeguard the political and economic stability of the region against big power rivalry.
• To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
• To strengthen co-operation with other developing countries.

Activities and Achievements of ASEAN

• ASEAN was established as an economic Association of South East Asian Region in 1967 and even now it is an economic association. ASEAN summits were not held regularly. But the meetings of the ministers of member countries are held annually. ASEAN is not a military alliance. The communique issued at the end of the second summit held in 1977 declared that ASEAN was neither a military bloc nor did it have any desire to become one in future. At the second summit, the leaders stressed the desire to have peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with all countries of the region. They stressed in particular that they do not want to take a side in the Indo-China conflict.
• The ASEAN includes about 8% of the world's population and in 2003 it had a combined G.D.P. of about $8,700 billion. By 2003, ASEAN had several agreements and by these agreements, member countries promised to uphold peace, neutrality, cooperation, non-interference and respect for sovereign rights. The ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (F.T.A.) for investment, labour and service. The U.S. and China have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN. After joining of India and China as dialogue partners to ASEAN, the ASEAN had successfully challenged the economic and political power centres of the world.
• On December 20, 2012, India and the 10 Asian nations resolved to strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the disputed sea in accordance with the international law. India and ASEAN also finalised free trade agreement in services and investment. At present, ASEAN is developing as an important and useful agency of regional co-operation for development among the member countries.
  
  

Q49: 'The European Union has economic, political and diplomatic, and military influence'. Substantiate the statement.
Ans: 

The European Union (EU) is a prominent regional organisation of European countries and plays a significant role in world affairs. It has evolved into a supranational organisation, not merely an inter-governmental one. The EU has its own Parliament, flag, anthem and, for member states in the euro-area, the common currency (the euro). Its headquarters are located in Brussels (Belgium). The EU recognises 24 official languages, including Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Polish and Swedish.

The EU as an Economic Power:

• The EU is one of the world's largest economies - its GDP (total value of goods and services produced) is reported at almost €18 trillion. European Union

• It operates a single market for 27 member states (goods, services, capital and people move freely), and 20 of its members share the euro currency, enhancing economic integration. 

• Its position as a major exporter of manufactured goods and services (≈ 14 % of world trade in goods) strengthens its global economic influence. 

• Because of its economic might, the EU can influence neighbouring regions, global trade regimes and international economic organisations.

The EU as Political and Diplomatic Actor:

• Several EU member states hold prominent roles in international institutions - for example, France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

• The EU often presents unified positions in global diplomacy (trade negotiations, climate change, human rights), which amplifies its diplomatic weight.

• Through its collective voice and institutions, the EU influences the agenda of organisations such as the UN and WTO.

The EU as a Military / Security Actor:

• While defence remains a national competence, the EU member states' combined defence expenditures show recent increases; in 2024, EU member states' defence spending reached about €343 billion, equivalent to about 1.9% of their GDP. 
• The EU has launched initiatives under its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and is working on joint procurement, defence-industry cooperation, and increased readiness.
• Thus, the EU (through its members) has growing military/security capability, enabling it to participate in international crisis management and project power beyond purely economic or diplomatic means.

Conclusion:
Given the EU's substantial economic base, its coordinated diplomatic voice, and growing military/security capabilities, it is correct to say that the EU has economic, political & diplomatic, and military influence in international affairs.

Limitations of the EU:

• The EU still lacks a single, common constitution fully binding all member states in foreign or defence policy - the dream of a "United States of Europe" is not realised.
• Member states retain their own foreign and defence policies which sometimes diverge (for example, Germany and France opposed the U.S. decision to invade Iraq).
• Decision-making in the EU can be slow and subject to national vetoes; institutional reforms (such as the Lisbon Treaty) have aimed to improve this but challenges remain - the Lisbon Treaty came into force in December 2009.

Q50: Evaluate any three major factors responsible for making the European Union a political force from; being an economic force.
Ans: The European Union (EU) is a strong regional organisation of European countries that plays an important role in world politics. Initially known as the European Economic Community (EEC) or the European Common Market, it was primarily formed to promote economic cooperation. However, over time, it evolved into a political force with global influence.

After the devastation caused by the two World Wars, especially the Second World War, European countries realised the need for peace, stability, and reconstruction through cooperation. This led to the establishment of the European Economic Community in 1957, which later developed into the European Union under the Maastricht Treaty of 1993.

Within a few decades, the EU transformed from a purely economic organisation into a powerful political entity due to several factors:

1. Political Integration and Institutions:
   The EU established political institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council. These institutions enable joint decision-making on not only economic issues but also foreign policy, human rights, environment, and governance.

2. Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP):
   The EU adopted a common foreign and security policy that allows member states to present a unified stance on international issues. This gives the EU a significant role in global diplomacy and international peacekeeping missions.

3. Expansion of Membership and Influence:
   The EU's gradual expansion to 27 member states has increased its geopolitical reach and influence. Through trade, aid, and diplomatic engagement, it has become a model for regional cooperation and governance across the world.

Thus, from being an economic union, the EU has evolved into a political force with influence in global diplomacy, security, and governance.

Q51: Examine the changing Indo-China relations.
Ans: India-China relations have been marked by complexity, including periods of cooperation, competition, and occasional conflict. Over the years, several key factors have influenced the changing dynamics of their relationship:

Historical Context:

• 1962 Sino-Indian War: The war over disputed territories led to deep mistrust between the two countries. The border issue remains unresolved, with occasional military standoffs in regions like Doklam in 2017.
• Normalization of Relations: Diplomatic relations were re-established in the late 1970s, leading to a period of thawing tensions and increased economic cooperation.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade and Investments: Both countries are significant trading partners. China is one of India's largest trading partners, although trade imbalances and market access issues have been contentious.
• Economic Competition: India and China have economic competition in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has been a point of contention.

Strategic Competition:

• Military Modernization: Both countries have engaged in military modernization efforts, including the development of advanced weaponry and military infrastructure along their borders.
• Geopolitical Influence: China's increasing influence in South Asia, particularly its relationship with Pakistan, has been a concern for India. India's growing partnerships with countries like the United States and Japan are perceived as a counterbalance.

Diplomatic Initiatives and Dialogues:

• Wuhan and Chennai Summits: Informal summits between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan (2018) and Chennai (2019) aimed to improve bilateral relations and enhance strategic communication.
• BRICS and SCO: Both India and China are members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where they engage in multilateral diplomatic efforts.

Environmental and Climate Cooperation:

• Climate Change Initiatives: Both countries have cooperated on climate change issues, aligning their positions on international agreements like the Paris Agreement and engaging in joint initiatives for sustainable development.

COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Pandemic Responses: The pandemic initially strained relations due to border tensions. However, both countries cooperated in the distribution of vaccines and shared experiences related to pandemic management.

Current Challenges:

• Border Disputes: Ongoing border disputes, especially in regions like Ladakh, continue to strain relations, leading to occasional military standoffs and tensions.
• Divergent Interests: India's interests in the Indian Ocean and China's expanding naval presence in the region raise concerns about maritime security and potential future competition.

In conclusion, India-China relations are characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and regional geopolitics. While economic ties remain robust, unresolved border disputes and strategic divergences pose challenges to building a stable and mutually beneficial relationship. Ongoing dialogue, diplomatic initiatives, and efforts to manage differences are essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Q52: "China has been fastest growing economy since the reform first began there" justify.
Ans: 

• In 1970 the Chinese leadership took major policy decisions i.e., China ended its political and economic isolation with the establishment of relations with the United States in 1972. Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the four modernization i.e., agriculture, industry, science and technology and military in 1973. By 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping adopted 'Open Door Policy' and economic reforms in China. China's economic success since 1978 has been linked to its rise as a great power.
• China followed its own path in introducing a market economy. The privatisation of agriculture in 1982 was followed by the privatisation of industry in 1998. Trade barriers were removed in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where foreign investors could set up enterprises. Past-Mao China established an all-time global record in doubling per capita output between 1977 and 1987. According to the World Bank's purchasing power parity (PPP) estimated, china with 1994 GDP of just under 8.3 trillion has become the second-largest economy in the world, after the United States. Now China is growing as great power. In the economic sphere, China's economy is growing very fast. It is projected to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy by 2040.
  
  

Q53: Describe India-China relations from 1947 to 1962.
Ans: 

• India's Policy of Contentment crossed limits when India gave its extra-territorial rights enjoyed in Tibet, to China by signing a trade-agreement on 29th April 1954. Both the countries at the time of agreement expressed their faith in the principles of Panchsheel. These principles were elaborated in 1953 at the Bandung Conference. The Chinese Prime Minister Chou-En-Lai visited India in 1954 and Pt. Nehru also went to China.
• Chinese invasion over India: China attacked both the Western and Eastern sectors of the Indian Border on 20th Oct. 1962. The Chinese soldiers overpowered the military posts till Indian forces balanced themselves after this sudden attack China declared a unilateral ceasefire on 21st Nov. By waging a war. China was able to capture thousands of miles of Indian area which is still in its possession.
  
  

Q54: How did China rise to be an economic superpower? Assess.
Ans: China had adopted the Soviet model of the economy. Despite development, China faced an economic crisis as industrial production was not growing fast, international trade was minimal. Under these situations, some major policy decisions were taken:

• China established relations with the US in 1972.
• China proposed four areas of modernization as agriculture, industry, science, and technology in 1973.
• Open door policy was introduced to generate higher productivity by an investment of capital and technology from abroad.
• Privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.
• China set Special Economic Zones to remove trade barriers.
• The integration of the Chinese economy and inter-dependencies has enabled China to have considerable influence with its trade partners.
• The open door policy has stabilized the ASEAN economy.
• China's outward looking for investment and aid policies in Latin America and Africa are projecting China as a global player.

Q55: Why is the EU considered a highly influential regional organization in the economic, political and military fields?
Ans: 

1. Economic Influence:

• The European Union (EU) is one of the world's largest economies, accounting for a major share of global trade.
• Its common currency, the Euro, is the second most traded currency after the US dollar, giving it strong financial influence.
• The EU acts as a powerful economic bloc in the World Trade Organization (WTO), shaping global trade rules and policies.

2. Political and Diplomatic Influence:

• France (formerly with the United Kingdom before Brexit) holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, giving the EU influence in global decision-making.
• Several EU countries regularly serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council, ensuring consistent diplomatic engagement.
• Through its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the EU plays an active role in global diplomacy, particularly on human rights, climate change, and trade negotiations.

3. Military and Strategic Influence:

• The EU's combined armed forces are among the largest in the world, and its members collectively have one of the highest defence expenditures, second only to the US.
• France, an EU member, possesses nuclear weapons, contributing to the Union's strategic deterrence capacity.
• The EU is also a major contributor to space, defence, and communication technology, enhancing its global strategic presence.

Q56: Discuss Indo-China relations.
Ans: The relations with China experienced friendly gestures from India as India signed popular 'Panchsheel' to develop Indo-China relations in 1954 and advocated China's membership to the United Nations still, after 1957, various contentious issues arose in Indo-China relations:

• In 1962, military conflict over a border dispute of MacMohan Line resulted in an unwarranted claim by China which lies now in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin regions of Ladakh.
• Differences arose from Chinese take over of Tibet in 1950 which was protested by India against China.
• After Panchsheel, attack by China on India in 1962, to occupy larger territories of India, created a humiliation.
• China's assistance to Pakistan's nuclear programme also created differences.
• China's military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian interests.

All the above-mentioned differences/ disputes could be resolved for greater cooperation.

• Both the countries should make some more efforts to revive the harmonious attitude between themselves.
• Both the countries should move hand-in-hand to fight against terrorism, nuclear race and economic disparities.
• Both countries should develop a mutual understanding and respect.
• Hence, both of them have signed agreements on cultural exchange and cooperation in science and technology.

Q57: On a political outline map of world locate and label the following and symbolize them as indicated:
1. An older member of the EU between Portugal and France. Symbolize (A)
2. An older member near Belgium and the Netherlands. Symbolize (B)
3. The four new members of the EU. Symbolize 1, 2, 3, 4.
4. Four old members of the EU. Symbolize 5, 6, 7, 8.
Ans:
1. Spain
2. Germany
3. (1) Estonia (2) Poland (3) Hungary (4) Lithuania
4. (5) Finland (6) Denmark (7) Austria (8) Ireland