India and China – Second Informal Summit of two Giant Asian Powers at Chennai, a step ahead of Wuhan Summit and can be a turning point
This article talks about the second informal summit between Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Xi Jinping at Chennai. It mentions the historical ties and existing issues between India and China. It also discusses how both leaders of India and China, can change the global equation by joining hands and how the informal summit can make way for resolving pending disputes between the two.
Introduction
Historical Connection between India and China
Disputes between India and China
Second Informal Summit
Outcome of Second Informal Summit
Conclusion
Introduction
The two giant powers of Asia are India and China. Their gigantism is not new to the world. Both countries have proven their strength since long. India and China were founders of ancient civilizations. Their majestic artworks have unique place in global heritage. Their enormous might in terms of military, population, science and technology, economy, rich culture and diverse fields make them giant powers not only in Asia but give them enough potential to become globally competitive.
Historical Connection between India and China
Historically, both countries were close to each other. Buddhism has always remained a connecting link between India and China. Various historians and travellers from China visited India and vice versa. They wrote about the then political, social and administrative proceedings of the areas they visited.
Fa Hien, Huen Tseng were Chinese monks who visited India. They collected stuff related to Buddhism like statues of Budhha, number of volumes of books of Budhhism etc.
Similarly, Bodhidharman, a Buddhist monk and descendant of Pallava dynasty travelled to China and impacted Chinese culture also. It is believed that he also founded famous Shaolin temple. He developed yogic exercises which later translated in to martial arts.
China’s trade to western world used to occur through China’s Silk Road. It also passed through India. Indian rulers used to give protection to merchants and collected transit charges from them.
Both countries have witnessed a period of healthy relations of more than 2000 years.
Disputes between India and China
India and China healthy relations were interrupted by some ups and downs for more than 50 years after Sino-India war of 1962. There are certain disputes between India and China are discussed below:
Border Dispute
China does not accept MacMohan line. It claims 90,000 Km2 area of Arunachal Pradesh. In 1950, China annexed Tibet. Chinese claim is that Arunachal Pradesh was a part of Tibet and annexation of Tibet by China means that Arunachal should automatically become part of China.
Immediately after Independence of India, a war broke out between India and Pakistan in which Pakistan occupied big territories of Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Pakistan gifted a part of that territory to China which is now called Aksai Chin. This transfer was done by China Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963. India claims that area of 5180 Km2.
River Flows
There are two major trans boundary rivers which originate from China and flow down in downstream countries like India. These are Indus and Brahmputra. Indus travels through China, India and Pakistan. Brahmputra known as Yarlung Tsangpo in China travels through India and Bangladesh. Generally downstream countries are at the mercy of upstream country to receive water from the river. The same story is here between India and China. China is making many dams and other structures at Yarlung Tsangpo which will result in .water scarcity in North East of India. There is also fear of water diversion from Indus by China which can result in loss of water in Jammu, Kaskmir and Ladakh.
Question of Next Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama is a respected position of spiritual leader of Tibet. On annexation of Tibet by China, Dalai Lama eloped to India with his supporters. Now the question is who will be next Dalai Lama. China categorically denies accepting any one born out of Tibetan plateau as next Dalai Lama.
Trade Issue
India and China are trade partners with annual trade of almost USD 90 billion. India is facing serious trade deficit in this partnership, which is a worth of USD 53 billion. India’s trade deficit with Hong Kong alone is equal to USD 34 billion. Trade agreement like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is a fear for India because it will enhance access of China to market of India and can prove bitter for local manufacturers of India.
Mistrust
There is a situation of growing mistrust towards each other in last few years. China’s “String of Pearls” is seen with suspicion by India. China claims that “String of Pearls” is just a development plan of China to increase their business in South and South East Asia. There are no military bases involved. India is doubtful about Chinese presence as this seems a way to encircle India by engaging with the surrounding countries.
India and China standoff at Doklam in 2017 is an evidence of mistrust between two counties.
Second Informal Summit
India and China needs to iron out all the creases so as to cool off the heat of tensions. Leaders of both countries, Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Xi Jinping are trying to resolve the existing issues. They met informally at Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu in October 2019. Earlier, they also met informally at Wuhan, capital of Fujian province in April 2018. An informal summit does not involve signing of agreements. For Second Informal summit, Chennai was selected to symbolize the cultural links between Tamil Nadu and Fujian province. Both leaders visited Group of monuments at Mamallapuram which is a global heritage site along Coromandal coast. The summit location is a message to the world that India is as old civilization as China is and China cannot ignore India.
Outcome of Second Informal Summit
The second informal summit between India and China is widely seen as a positive outcome for prospective melodious relations. The following constitute major take away of this summit:
The summit depicted emotional relations between India and China, observed discussions on bilateral disputes and global issues. This summit can be called as a step next to Wuhan summit because it appears more confident, declining fear & suspicions, promoting strategic communication and rising intimacy.
After long discussions, a new mechanism was developed to engage at high level in order to rectify trade imbalance.
Tamil Nadu and Fujian will cooperate as sister states.
Conclusion
India and China, though historically near to each other but with time they faced number of challenges for maintaining heir sonorous relations. Some recent incidents like Doklam standoff, China’s support to Pakistan in UNSC were increasing tensions in the region. After finding no support in UNSC, being hurt by trade war, and continuous opposition by Western world, China cannot forget a regional giant power India. Similarly, India cannot forget the economic might of its neighbour. Both countries have their abiding interests with each other and both leaders acted maturely. Second Informal Summit between India and China is a hope for betterment of relations and resolution for ongoing disputes.
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