The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 10th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Understanding India’s China conundrum

Why in News?

The article highlights China’s growing military capabilities and its increasing influence in India’s neighbourhood, raising concerns for India’s national security and foreign policy.

Change in China’s Approach Under New Leadership

• China today is quite different from how it was many years ago. 
• Since 2013, it has become more aggressive, especially around its borders. 
• It often talks about its history and claims that it has been treated unfairly. 
• China is trying to reclaim old territories that were part of the Qing Dynasty. 
• This attitude has raised worries for neighboring countries, including India. 

Pattern of Border Skirmishes

• There have been multiple conflictsbetween Indian and Chinese soldiers over the years, including: 
  • 2013 - Depsang
  • 2016 - Demchok
  • 2017 - Doklam
  • 2020 - Galwan
•  Even though there have been some friendly diplomatic gestures from time to time, these incidents highlight a trend of increasing tension. 
•  Any recent positive signs should be taken with caution, and it is important not to assume that the relationship is going back to the earlier, more peaceful times. 

Signs of De-escalation in 2024

• At the end of 2024, the level of tensions decreased a bit and the border patrols at contested areas were changed.
• These changes were talked about right before an important international summit.
• A new agreement regarding patrols was created, but many aspects are still not clear.
• Even though things got better, both sides continue to be careful, especially near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Military Preparations and Strategic Concerns

•  In early 2025, a country announced that things had returned to normal after important discussions. 
• Talks between the two sides may start up again soon, but real progress will need clear and open agreements. 
• In March, China raised its defense budget by 7.2%, which is nearly three times more than India's spending, which is less than 2% of its GDP on defense. 
• More than 100,000 troops, equipped with heavy weapons, are still stationed in the Himalayan region. 
• Reports indicate that China is also increasing its number of nuclear warheads, with an estimated addition of around 100 warheads recently. 

Technological and Military Superiority

• China is currently leading in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, and military technology. 
• It has made significant advancements in anti-satellite capabilities, quantum technology, and tools for the digital battlefield. 
• These advancements indicate that relying solely on peaceful discussions is not sufficient; India needs to remain vigilant and ready. 

Diplomatic Moves in India’s Neighbourhood

• China is boosting its influence in nearby countries like Bangladesh.
• As India builds stronger relationships with global powers, it should not overlook its neighbors.
• China is also making strides in Africa, particularly in the nuclear energy sector, which could impact India's energy security.

Conclusion

• India needs to be ready for any situation, including unexpected changes in global relationships.
• Both nations have long histories and can handle their differences.
• However, it is important to be strategically careful in today's world.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of China’s military modernization and border posture for India’s strategic and diplomatic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 Words /15 marks)

PYQ: ‘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 neighbor. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

The Rohingya are on the brink of starvation

Why in News?

• Over one million Rohingya refugees are currently facing a serious humanitarian crisis in Cox's Bazar. 
• The situation has become worse after a key donor suddenly stopped providing important aid. 

Rohingya Crisis in Cox’s Bazar

• Cox's Bazar is home to more than one million Rohingya refugees, making it one of the largest and most overlooked humanitarian emergencies globally. 
• These refugees are currently experiencing even worse conditions due to the unexpected withdrawal of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). 

Withdrawal of USAID Funding

• USAID, once the largest global donor for humanitarian efforts, allocated about $40 billion each year worldwide.
• This financial support has been reduced by the Department of Government Efficiency, established under the U.S. government.
• Bangladesh was the second-largest recipient of USAID in South Asia, and the abrupt cut in funding has had a serious impact on Rohingya refugees.

Impact on Refugees

• The choice to cut back on USAID support has led to significant problems for humanitarian efforts around the world.
• For the Rohingya refugees, who have already faced genocide and forced relocation, the situation has become even more difficult.
• The World Food Programme (WFP) had to lower the amount of food given to each person from $12.50 to $6 per month.
• Healthcare services have declined greatly, resulting in the closure of five hospitals and the failure of important sanitation projects.

Ideological Shift and Moral Concerns

•  The funding cuts show a change in thinking that supports private, profit-driven aid instead of organized, government-led assistance. 
• Issues like hunger, displacement, and genocide are moral issues, not just financial problems. 
• It is unrealistic and risky to think that charity or private funding can take the place of long-term government support. 

Global and Regional Impact

• The reduction of USAID support has significantly harmed services aimed at women and children, which has raised their vulnerability to exploitation.
• This change also impacts the soft power of the United States in South Asia.
• China is beginning to take advantage of this situation by increasing its influence in Bangladesh and facilitating discussions about the return of refugees between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

A Call for Action

• Countries such as the European Union (providing €32.3 million), Japan, and Italy have promised financial help.
• However, their support cannot match the large scale of USAID.
• This situation is an important test of the world's commitment to helping those in need.

Practice Question: Examine the consequences of the abrupt withdrawal of USAID funding on the humanitarian situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. (150 Words /10 marks)