“The world will be shocked at China’s rise”, the words of Napoleon Bonaparte are apt today. India and China got independence in late 1940s, yet China remained second to US in military, economic and technological terms.

Chinese economic and military policies:

The BRI, CPEC,CMEC are the strategic economic investments to consolidate Chinese hold in Eurasia with involvement of 150 countries

The maritime silk road of China strengthens its influence in Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean.Resolving China’s Malacca dilemma, essentially turning South China sea into “Chinese lake”

These are providing push for Chinese aggression in South China Sea where it build several artificial islands, laid claims on areas till the nine dash line, Scarborough, Spratley islands, and indulging maritime disputes with Philippines,  Vietnam,  Malaysia, Indonesia etc

Chinese cheque book  diplomacy is eroding the sovereignty of many Asian and African nations who find themselves in debt traps .

Impact on India :

India was flooded with Chinese investments in critical infrastructure which was later dealt with in an apt manner. The blocking of Huawei 5G trials is an example

The widening trade deficit of 85 billion dollars is a cause of concern.

Reliance on China for key raw materials like APIs,KSIs in pharmaceutical industry, lithium in renewable energy has to be dealt with.

Increasing Chinese economic and military prowess makes it challenging for India to face the imminent threats in Ladakh and the North East.

The “string of pearls” strategy oof china by surrounding India through investments and bases in ports like Hambantota, Gwadar, Djibouti is a major challenge.

India must make timely use of the China+1 strategy ofthe West , QUAD  along with emphasis on self reliance through Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat,PLI etc to counter China in economic and military terms