Political Science · Ch 2 — Contemporary Centres of Power
India – China Relations
India – China Relations
The Historical Backdrop
Before Western imperialism arrived, both India and China were great powers in Asia. China exercised considerable influence over its periphery through a unique tributary system — at various points in its dynastic history, Mongolia, Korea, parts of Indo-China, and Tibet accepted Chinese authority. Indian kingdoms and empires also extended their political, economic, and cultural influence beyond their borders.
Crucially, the spheres of influence of India and China rarely overlapped. This meant there was limited political and cultural interaction between the two civilisations. As a result, neither country was very familiar with the other. When both nations confronted each other in the twentieth century, they found it difficult to evolve a foreign policy to deal with one another.
The Brief Era of Goodwill
After India gained independence from Britain and China expelled foreign powers, there was hope that both would come together to shape the future of the developing world, especially Asia. For a short while, the slogan 'Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai' (Indians and Chinese are brothers) became popular.
The Border Conflict and Its Aftermath
This hope was marred by Chinese aggression on the Indian border. Soon after independence, differences arose over two issues:
- The Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1950
- The final settlement of the Sino-Indian border
In 1962, China and India fought a border conflict over competing territorial claims, principally in Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh. India suffered military reverses in this war, which had long-term implications for bilateral relations.
The 1962 conflict led to a downgrading of diplomatic relations between India and China that lasted until 1976.
Gradual Improvement (1976–1990s)
After 1976, relations began to improve slowly. From the mid-to-late 1970s, China's political leadership changed, and its policy became more pragmatic and less ideological. China was now prepared to put off the settlement of contentious issues while improving ties with India.
- A series of talks to resolve the border issue were initiated in 1981.
- Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China in December 1988 provided a major impetus for improvement.
- Since then, both governments have taken measures to contain conflict and maintain 'peace and tranquility' on the border.
- They signed agreements on cultural exchanges and cooperation in science and technology.
- Four border posts were opened for trade.
Post–Cold War Strategic and Economic Dimensions
Since the end of the Cold War, India–China relations have acquired both a strategic and an economic dimension. Both view themselves as rising powers in global politics and want to play a major role in Asian economy and politics.
Trade Growth:
| Year | Bilateral Trade |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 338 million dollars |
| 2017 | more than 84 billion dollars |
Since 1999, trade has been growing at 30 per cent per year. A more positive perspective on relations has emerged. Both countries have agreed to cooperate in areas that could otherwise create conflict, such as bidding for energy deals abroad. At the global level, India and China have adopted similar policies in international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation.
Persistent Tensions That Did Not Escalate
Several issues created friction but did not lead to open conflict:
- India's 1998 nuclear tests were justified partly on the grounds of a threat from China.
- China was seen as contributing to the build-up of Pakistan's nuclear programme.
- China's military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian interests in South Asia. …
The figure shows a photograph of the ASIMO humanoid robot walking across a pedestrian bridge. In the background, the skyline of Seoul city is visible along the Han River. The image is credited to the official website of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
This photograph is placed in the chapter Contemporary Centres of Power to illustrate the technological and economic rise of East Asian powers, particularly Japan and South Korea. ASIMO, developed by Honda, represents Japan's leadership in robotics and advanced manufacturing — a key dimension of its post-war economic resurgence. The Seoul skyline in the background highlights South Korea's rapid urbanisation and technological transformation, both of which are central to understanding how these countries emerged as major centres of global power after the Cold War. …
The figure shows a photograph of the Seoul city skyline, taken from a vantage point near the Han River. The Han River is a major waterway that flows through the South Korean capital, and the image captures the modern, high-rise urban landscape that lines its banks. The skyline is dominated by tall office towers, residential buildings, and commercial structures, many of which are glass-clad and contemporary in design. The river itself is visible in the foreground or middle ground, with bridges crossing it and the city spreading out behind. The image is credited to the official English-language website of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
This photograph is placed in the chapter Contemporary Centres of Power to illustrate the economic and technological rise of East Asian powers, particularly South Korea. Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, a country that transformed from a war-torn, impoverished state in the 1950s into a high-income, technologically advanced economy by the late 20th century. The skyline near the Han River is a visual symbol of this rapid development — it shows a dense, modern metropolis that competes with global financial centres like Tokyo, Shanghai, and Singapore. The image reinforces the chapter's theme that new centres of power have emerged in Asia, challenging the traditional dominance of the United States and Europe. It also connects to the broader discussion of how countries like South Korea have used state-led i …