Question

Evaluate the causes of tension in the relations between India and China.

Hint:

The main causes of tension between India and China are territorial disputes, the Tibet issue, military standoffs, and growing geopolitical competition.

Answer 1

The relationship between India and China has been historically complex, marked by both cooperation and tension. The causes of tension between the two countries are multifaceted, rooted in historical, territorial, and geopolitical factors. Below are the key causes of tension between India and China: 1. Territorial Disputes:
- One of the main causes of tension is the unresolved border dispute between India and China, particularly in the regions of Aksai Chin (disputed by India and China) and Arunachal Pradesh (which China claims as part of Tibet).
- The 1962 Sino-Indian War was fought over these territorial issues, and the conflict remains unresolved to this day.
2. The Tibet Issue:
- After the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950, tensions increased as India granted asylum to the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, in 1959.
- China perceives India's support for Tibetan separatists as a threat to its territorial integrity, while India views the occupation of Tibet by China as a violation of Tibetan autonomy.
3. Geopolitical Competition:
- China’s growing influence in South Asia, particularly its close ties with Pakistan, has raised security concerns for India.
- The development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through disputed Kashmir has further exacerbated India’s concerns.
4. Economic Disparities:
- Despite economic cooperation, trade imbalances have led to growing tensions. China has a significant trade surplus with India, creating economic frustration.
- India's reliance on Chinese goods has been a point of contention, especially when it comes to the strategic sectors like technology and infrastructure.
5. Military Build-up and Border Clashes:
- In recent years, there has been a significant military build-up along the borders in Ladakh and other disputed regions.
- The Doklam standoff in 2017 and the ongoing military skirmishes in the Galwan Valley in 2020 highlighted the continued military tensions between the two countries.
6. Regional Influence and Alliances:
- China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, and its “String of Pearls” strategy (setting up naval bases and infrastructure across India’s maritime neighborhood) is viewed as a strategic challenge by India.
Conclusion:
The causes of tension between India and China are deeply rooted in territorial disputes, historical grievances, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Despite attempts at diplomacy and economic cooperation, the relationship remains fraught with strategic competition and mistrust.