ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 18th June. Click Here for more information.
Source: The post on Potential of India-China Relations is based on the article “A China-India partnership, its vast global potential” published in “The Hindu” on 28th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: The article discusses the ongoing global crises and suggests that China and India, as ancient Asian civilizations, can lead the way in promoting peace and development. They propose building a global community with shared values and future goals, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, and multilateralism.
What history and vision do China and India share?
Ancient Civilizations: Both countries have a rich history, having coexisted as neighboring ancient civilizations for thousands of years.
Common Philosophies: The Chinese vision of “a world of fairness and justice for the common good” and the Indian motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” emphasize global unity.
Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence: In the 1950s, China and India together introduced these principles, which have since become foundational norms for international relations.
Developmental Stage: Both nations, with populations exceeding one billion each, are at a pivotal phase of development and revitalization.
Global Community Vision: China’s President proposes building a global community of a shared future, an idea also supported by multiple international platforms including the UN.
What are the key vision points proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping?
Economic Globalization: The focus is on guiding economic globalization in the right direction, ensuring it benefits developing countries. Rejecting practices like unilateralism, protectionism, and “winner-takes-all” strategies is emphasized.
Peaceful Development: The world should prioritize peace, likening its importance to air and sunshine. The pitfalls of colonialism and hegemonism are highlighted, advocating instead for cooperation and win-win situations.
New International Relations: The goal is to establish relations where emerging and established powers coexist peacefully. Mutual respect, equity, and cooperation should be the foundation.
True Multilateralism: Multilateralism should be genuine, not based on cliques or supremacy. The UN should remain central in this vision, with international law guiding global order.
Common Human Values: There’s an emphasis on universal values like peace, development, equity, and justice. Recognizing the diversity of civilizations and respecting each nation’s unique development path is vital.
How can China and India collaborate?
China and India’s collaboration potential may include:
1) Shared Population Strength: Together, China and India account for a third of the global population. This demographic weight offers a significant platform for collaborative influence.
2) Global Community Building: They can jointly spearhead the vision of a global community with a shared future, leveraging their historical ties and combined wisdom.
3) Joint Initiatives and Unique solutions: By aligning on global development, security, and civilization initiatives, they can present unified solutions to global challenges.
4) Global South Leadership: As representatives of the Global South, both countries can demonstrate a will to create an open, inclusive world that prioritizes peace, security, and common prosperity.
Terminology Used:
Question for practice:
How might the collaboration between China and India, rooted in their shared historical ties and visions, influence the trajectory of global peace and development, especially in the context of ongoing crises in regions like Ukraine and West Asia?
