The Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China

Source: The post the Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China has been created, based on the article “China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses India’s relationship with China amid growing tensions. It highlights India’s military preparations along the border and warns against overt alignment with the Quad nations. It suggests India should carefully navigate its stance to avoid provoking China while managing its strategic partnerships.

What was the significance of the Wilmington Declaration?

The Wilmington Declaration, issued during a Quad meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2023, signaled a shift towards a security alliance between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. Though it did not name China directly, the Declaration’s intent was clear — to contain China’s influence across the Indo-Pacific region.

For detailed information on Fourth Quad summit read this article here

How are India-China relations currently?

1. Deteriorating relations: India-China relations are deteriorating, with tensions along the northern borders, particularly in Ladakh.
2. Galwan region stalemate: The Galwan region remains in a stalemate despite diplomatic efforts. No breakthrough has been achieved in the Depsang Plains and Demchok.
3. Increased vigilance and deployment of forces: India announced that it will maintain, if not increase, its vigilance in the border areas by inducting more forces despite the onset of winter.
4. New weapons and artillery deployment: “India is inducting new long-range firearms and heavy artillery, and has begun to deploy howitzers, missiles, rocket systems and ‘loitering munitions’.
5. Blocked patrolling points: The number of ‘friction points’ has increased, with Indian forces unable to access several ‘patrolling points’ that they were previously accustomed to.
6. China’s larger defense budget: China’s defense budget, far larger than India’s, allows it to stay confident in its ability to handle Indian military moves.
7. China’s concern over India’s Quad membership: China’s growing concerns focus more on India’s association with the Quad, which it sees as a U.S.-sponsored effort to contain China.
8. China’s measured response: China appears unfazed by India’s moves” and “China is unlikely to take such a situation lightly.

Why should India be cautious in its Quad relations?

China views the Quad alliance as a direct threat. Xi Jinping’s China sees India’s growing alignment with the West, especially the U.S., as provocative. China’s past statements, including a warning against external forces, underline this. India must be careful not to escalate tensions by aligning too openly with the West.

What is China’s real threat perception?

1. China differentiates between peripheral and real threats. Border issues with India in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh are not seen as existential threats. However, threats to its eastern seaboard and Pacific claims are taken more seriously.
2. India’s strategic experts understand this, but China may interpret India’s changing stance as growing closeness with the West.

How should India navigate its relations with China and the Quad?

1. India must avoid sending signals that it is fully aligned with U.S. efforts to contain China.
2. Although India participates in the Quad, it does not aim to checkmate China’s ambitions.
3. India should focus on maintaining a balanced position, avoiding confrontational policies, and ensuring that China understands India’s independent stance.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India’s involvement with the Quad alliance impacts its relations with China amidst growing border tensions.