Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Introduce the significance of China’s economic rise and its implications for military power in Asia. Thesis Statement: State that China’s economic relations and trade surplus are being utilized to enhance its military capabilities, which poses challenges ...
Answer: The political scientists are of the opinion that China under Xi Jinping has come up to be a challenge for the global power ecosystem that has been largely led by the West for decades. This is being reflected through the larger US-China tussle, which is slowly taking shape in West Asia, whichRead more
Answer: The political scientists are of the opinion that China under Xi Jinping has come up to be a challenge for the global power ecosystem that has been largely led by the West for decades. This is being reflected through the larger US-China tussle, which is slowly taking shape in West Asia, which has remained one of the largest spheres of influence for the US. The growing influence of China in West Asia can be seen in the following ways:
- Energy: Oil remains a critical component of West Asia’s strategic design. Since the US itself has become a net exporter of energy, its reliance on the Middle East (West Asia) for oil has reduced. China, being the second largest economy in the world, therefore attracts the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Presently, the GCC provides 40 percent of China’s oil imports, with Saudi Arabia alone exporting 17 percent.
- Defence and strategic affairs: Saudi Arabia is allying with Beijing to construct its own ballistic missiles and the UAE was able to get F-35 fighter jets from the US despite Washington’s concerns over a secret Chinese military facility at one of the UAE’s maritime ports. Further, Beijing and Tehran agreed upon a comprehensive strategic agreement (2020) that involved components of both security and economy. China is also working with Israel to tap its human resource potential in the field of high-tech, innovation, and defense technologies.
- Trade: China’s exports to the Gulf region have grown at 11.7 percent annually in the last decade, enabling China to overtake the US and the European Union as the region’s biggest source of imports. Further, the two-decade-old GCC-China FTA negotiations have received a fillip due to the first China-Arab States Summit in 2022. About 20 Arab states have also shown their interest in the massive BRI project of China, which would pass through the Middle East.
- Economic diversification: The GCC countries have started diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil and China is playing an important role in this. For example, the development of “smart ports” across the region. The West Asian region is host to largely autocratic and monarchic ‘middle powers’ and China is offering money to them without concerns such as human rights, democracy, freedom of the press, etc.
However, it is too early to declare the end of US hegemony in the region.
- Presence of armed forces: The US armed forces are present across the region with military personnel located in several regional states, whereas China’s current permanent deployment in the region is a naval flotilla, which consists of three ships that are deployed to the Gulf of Aden at all times. It also occasionally brings its naval vessels to parts of the Indian Ocean.
- Defense supplies: The US still remains a major security partner of most Arab states and the principal arms supplier. Though China has supplied armed drones to Saudi Arabia, these are only a tiny fraction of the weapons supplied by the US.
Amidst the US-China narrative, Russia is also considered a desirable player in the Middle East, as it is playing strategic roles in Libya and Syria. Though it would be too early to declare the end of US hegemony in West Asia, the dawn of a multi-polar world is expected in the near future.
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Model Answer Introduction China's rapid ascent as an economic and military superpower has profound implications for India, its neighboring rival. By leveraging economic relations and a positive trade surplus, China is enhancing its military capabilities in Asia through initiatives like the Belt andRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
China’s rapid ascent as an economic and military superpower has profound implications for India, its neighboring rival. By leveraging economic relations and a positive trade surplus, China is enhancing its military capabilities in Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Impact of China’s Rise on India
1. Direct Military Threat
China’s military expansion and aggressive posture, particularly regarding border disputes, pose a direct threat to India’s national security. The Doklam standoff in 2017 serves as a notable example of China’s assertive military strategies, raising alarms about India’s territorial integrity and defense preparedness.
2. Influence in Multilateral Forums
China’s increasing dominance in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) can undermine India’s interests. For instance, China’s ability to influence resolutions and policies may limit India’s capacity to promote its strategic agenda, thereby affecting its standing in global affairs.
3. Economic Cooperation with Pakistan
China’s burgeoning economic partnership with Pakistan, particularly through CPEC, is perceived as an effort to curtail India’s influence in the region. By enhancing Pakistan’s infrastructure and connectivity, China not only strengthens its ally but also seeks to diminish India’s regional power, potentially leading to increased military collaboration between the two nations.
4. Influence in South Asia
China’s extensive investments in infrastructure across South Asian nations like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh have diluted India’s traditional influence in the region. These initiatives allow China to expand its geopolitical reach, often at India’s expense, complicating India’s diplomatic efforts and strategic positioning.
Conclusion
China’s rise as an economic and military powerhouse presents significant challenges for India. Its aggressive policies and military developments, alongside strategic partnerships in the region, create a considerable security threat, compelling India to adopt proactive measures to protect its national interests.
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