China’s White Paper and Shared Vision of India and China

Context:

China released a white paper outlining its proposals and actions to address global challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. In a world marked by turmoil, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and issues in West Asia, there is potential for global harmony by considering the shared visions and historically linked civilizations of India and China.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Vision Points for the Global Community of Shared Future:
2. Cooperative Initiatives between India and China for Building a Global Community of a Shared Future:
3. Obstacles in India-China Collaboration

Key Vision Points for the Global Community of Shared Future:

Economic Globalization:

• Promote economic globalization that benefits developing nations.
• Reject unilateralism, protectionism, and zero-sum games.

Peace and Cooperation:

• Advocate peace, development, cooperation, and win-win results.
• Avoid colonialism and hegemony, work together for global peace.

Global Community of Shared Destiny:

• Build a global community of shared destiny.
• Focus on mutual respect, equity, and beneficial cooperation for global partnerships.

International System:

• Oppose bloc politics and unilateral thinking.
• Support a fair, UN-centered international system.
• Uphold international law as the basis for global norms and true multilateralism.

Equity and Freedom:

• Promote equity, justice, democracy, and freedom.
• Avoid imposing a singular model of democracy.

Harmony Amidst Diversity:

• Embrace diversity and respect each nation’s right to choose its social systems and development paths.

Cooperative Initiatives between India and China for Building a Global Community of a Shared Future:

Shared Values and Principles:

• Embrace shared values rooted in ancient civilizations, such as fairness, justice, and the concept of the world as one family.
• Uphold principles like “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

Areas and Platforms of Cooperation:

Benefits of India-China Cooperation for Building a Global Community of Shared Future:

Economic Growth and Trade Opportunities:

• Expanding markets with massive consumer bases.
• Leveraging complementary economies for mutual benefits.

Technological Advancements and Innovation:

• Accelerated progress through collaborative research and innovation in various sectors.
• Enhanced capabilities in space exploration, cybersecurity, and climate change mitigation.

Global Governance and Diplomacy:

• Counterbalancing unilateral actions by global powers.
• Influencing international forums and addressing global issues collectively.

Obstacles in India-China Collaboration:

Border Disputes and Military Standoffs:

• Long-standing border disputes, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), have resulted in military standoffs, creating mistrust and potential escalation.

Mistrust Due to Historical Conflicts:

• Historical conflicts, including the 1962 Sino-Indian war, have led to deep-seated mistrust between the two nations, hindering cooperative efforts.

Geopolitical Complexities:

• China’s use of its UNSC veto power against India, close ties with Pakistan, and India’s abstention from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) contribute to the complexity of relations.
• These issues add layers of geopolitical tension and mutual suspicion.

Strategic Competition:

• Strategic competition is a reality due to both countries having distinct national interests and aspirations.
• External pressure, especially from the United States and its allies, who seek to contain China’s rise, further fuels this competition.

Clashing Interests:

• Strategic interests sometimes clash, especially in regions like South Asia, where both countries seek influence.
• China’s investments in India’s neighboring countries may be seen as encroaching on India’s sphere of influence.

-Source: The Hindu